Cote d'Ivoire

Also known as the Cote d’Ivoire, the Ivory Coast was once one of the most prosperous countries in Africa. It is the world’s leading producer of cocoa and a major coffee producer as well. The prosperity combined with ties with France made Abidjan the “Paris of West Africa.”  In more recent times, the Ivory Coast has struggled with a civil war that left the country split in two. If the situation improves there are a number of worthwhile sights. Abidjan is a gleaming metropolis and one of the most modern cities in West Africa.  It contains the massive Cathedrale St. Paul. The coast west of Abidjan has many excellent beaches and interesting lagoons. The capital of Yamoussoukro was a small village before President Houphouet-Boigny decided to turn his hometown into a major center. Yamoussoukro contains a number of luxurious buildings and the Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix, the largest cathedral in the world. Around the town of Man, you can explore the surrounding mountains as well as see many rope bridges in the region. The Parc National de la Comoe is located in the northeast of the Ivory Coast. It is a bit inaccessible, but quite wild, and contains many animals worth seeing. For animals in a more tame setting you can visit the monkey village of Soko.