Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is a developing country on the western coast of Africa. The official capital is Yamoussoukro, but Abidjan is the largest city, the main commercial center, and the location of the Ivoirian government and the U.S. Embassy. The official language is French; English is not widely used. Côte d’Ivoire is a republic whose constitution provides for separate branches of government under a strong president.

Under the direction of President Alassane Ouattara since his inauguration in May 2011, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire continues to move forward with a broad range of programs that have increased the country’s security and improved the economic climate. Over a decade of political unrest and violence began in 1999, culminating in the 2010-11 post-electoral crisis that was precipitated by former President Laurent Gbagbo’s refusal to accept the outcome of the 2010 election. Since the Ouattara administration assumed office, the country has largely returned to stability. The Government, however, continues to have limited capacity to provide basic services to the Ivoirian population, particularly those related to safety and security issues. Police and gendarmes are not always able to fulfill their public security mandates due to inadequate training and an acute lack of resources, such as weapons, transportation, and communications equipment. Despite numerous positive developments across virtually all sectors, anti-government elements continue to pose a threat. In addition, security concerns remain in the western region, and there were several cross-border attacks in communities along the Liberian border in 2014. In November and December 2014, factions of the Republican Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FRCI) went on strike in protest of outstanding backpay. The situation returned to normal following negotiations with the Government. At the end of June 2015, the Government concluded its program to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate ex-combattants, and has taken other actions to eliminate militia operating outside the official security forces. Criminal activity, including armed robbery, remains a problem in the country.

Tourist facilities in and near Abidjan, the commercial capital, are good; accommodations in many other locations are limited in quality and availability. Read the Department of State's Fact Sheet on Côte d'Ivoire for additional information on U.S.-Côte d’Ivoire relations.