Ivory Coast

The Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, commonly known in English as Ivory Coast, is a country in West Africa. It has an area of 322,462 square kilometers, and borders the countries of Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea.

Prior to its colonization by Europeans, Cote d’Ivoire was home to several states, including Gyaaman, the Kong Empire, and Baoulé. There were two Anyi kingdoms, Indénié and Sanwi, which attempted to retain their separate identity through the French colonial period and after Cote d’Ivoire’s independence. An 1843–1844 treaty made Cote d’Ivoire a “protectorate” of France and it became a French colony in 1893 as part of the European scramble for Africa.

Cote d’Ivoire became independent on 7 August 1960. From 1960 to 1993, the country was led by Félix Houphouët-Boigny. It maintained close political and economic association with its West African neighbors, while at the same time maintaining close ties to the West, especially to France. Since the end of Houphouët-Boigny’s rule, Cote d’Ivoire has experienced one coup d’état, in 1999, and a civil war, which broke out in 2002. A political agreement between the government and the rebels brought a return to peace. Cote d’Ivoire is a republic with a strong executive power invested in the President. Its de jure capital is Yamoussoukro and the biggest city is the port city of Abidjan. The country is divided into 19 regions and 81 departments. It is a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, African Union, La Francophonie, Latin Union, Economic Community of West African States and South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone.

The official language is French, although many of the local languages are widely used, including Baoulé, Dioula, Dan, Anyin and Cebaara Senufo. The main religions are Islam, Christianity (primarily Roman Catholic) and various indigenous religions.

Through production of coffee and cocoa, the country was an economic powerhouse during the 1960s and 1970s in West Africa. However, Cote d’Ivoire went through an economic crisis in the 1980s, leading to the country’s period of political and social turmoil. The 21st century Ivoirian economy is largely market-based and relies heavily on agriculture, with smallholder cash crop production being dominant.

:: Background of Ivory Coast ::

Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment made Cote d’Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the West African states, but did not protect it from political turmoil. In December 1999, a military coup – the first ever in Cote d’Ivoire’s history – overthrew the government. Junta leader Robert GUEI blatantly rigged elections held in late 2000 and declared himself the winner. Popular protest forced him to step aside and brought Laurent GBAGBO into power. Ivorian dissidents and disaffected members of the military launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002. Rebel forces claimed the northern half of the country, and in January 2003 were granted ministerial positions in a unity government under the auspices of the Linas-Marcoussis Peace Accord. President GBAGBO and rebel forces resumed implementation of the peace accord in December 2003 after a three-month stalemate, but issues that sparked the civil war, such as land reform and grounds for citizenship, remained unresolved. In March 2007 President GBAGBO and former New Force rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. As a result of the agreement, SORO joined GBAGBO’s government as Prime Minister and the two agreed to reunite the country by dismantling the zone of confidence separating North from South, integrate rebel forces into the national armed forces, and hold elections. Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of rebel forces have been problematic as rebels seek to enter the armed forces. Citizen identification and voter registration pose election difficulties, and balloting planned for November 2009 was postponed with no future date set. Several thousand UN troops and several hundred French remain in Cote d’Ivoire to help the parties implement their commitments and to support the peace process.

:: Geography of Ivory Coast ::

Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia

Geographic coordinates: 8 00 N, 5 00 W

Area:
total: 322,463 sq km
land: 318,003 sq km
water: 4,460 sq km

Area – comparative: slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries: 3,110 km
Border countries: Burkina Faso 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km, Liberia 716 km, Mali 532 km
Coastline: 515 km

Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate: tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons – warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October)
Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m
highest point: Monts Nimba 1,752 m

Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay, cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, hydropower

Land use:
arable land: 10.23%
permanent crops: 11.16%
other: 78.61% (2005)
Irrigated land: 730 sq km (2003)
Total renewable water resources: 81 cu km (2000)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 0.93 cu km/yr (24%/12%/65%)
per capita: 51 cu m/yr (2000)
Natural hazards: coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during the rainy season torrential flooding is possible
Environment – current issues: deforestation (most of the country’s forests – once the largest in West Africa – have been heavily logged); water pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents

Environment – international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography – note: most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is sparsely populated

:: People of Ivory Coast ::

Population: 21,504,162
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2011 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 39.8% (male 4,312,133/female 4,240,500)
15-64 years: 57.2% (male 6,262,802/female 6,039,458)
65 years and over: 3% (male 320,396/female 328,873) (2011 est.)

Median age:
total: 19.6 years
male: 19.7 years
female: 19.5 years (2011 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.078% (2011 est.)
Birth rate: 30.95 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)
Death rate: 10.16 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population NA (2011 est.)
Urbanization:
urban population: 51% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 3.7% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

Infant mortality rate:
total: 64.78 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 71.54 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 57.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 56.78 years
male: 55.79 years
female: 55.81 years (2011 est.)

Total fertility rate: 3.92 children born/woman (2011 est.)
HIV/AIDS – adult prevalence rate: 3.4% (2009 est.)
HIV/AIDS – people living with HIV/AIDS: 450,000 (2009 est.)
HIV/AIDS – deaths: 36,000 (2009 est.)
Major infectous diseases:
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
water contact: schistosomiasis
animal contact disease: rabies
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)
Nationality: noun: Ivoirian(s) adjective: Ivoirian
Ethnic groups: Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes 16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 130,000 Lebanese and 14,000 French) (1998)
Religions: Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, indigenous 11.9%, none 16.7% (2008 est.)
note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim (70%) and Christian (20%)

Languages: French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 48.7%
male: 60.8%
female: 38.6% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 6 years
male: 8 years
female: 5 years (2000)
Education expenditures: 4.6% of GDP (2008)

Geography of Ivory Coast: Important Geographical Information about Ivory Coast

Cote d’Ivoire or commonly known as Ivory Coast is a sub-Saharan nation in southern West Africa located at 8 00°N, 5 00°W. The country is shaped like a square and borders the Gulf of Guinea on the north Atlantic Ocean to the south (515 km of coastline) and five other African nations on the other three sides, with a total of 3,110 km of borders: Liberia to the southwest (716 km), Guinea to the northwest (610 km), Mali to the north-northwest (532 km), Burkina Faso to the north-northeast, and Ghana to the east (668 km). In total, Cote d’Ivoire comprises 322,460 km2, of which 318,000 km2 are land and 4,460 km2 are water. This makes the country slightly larger than the U.S. state of New Mexico, or about the size of Germany.

Cote d’Ivoire’s terrain can generally be described as a large plateau rising gradually from sea level in the south to almost 500 meters elevation in the north. The nation’s natural resources have made it into a comparatively prosperous nation in the African economy. The southeastern region of Cote d’Ivoire is marked by coastal inland lagoons that start at the Ghanaian border and stretch 300 km (186 mi) along the eastern half of the coast. The southern region, especially the southwest, is covered with dense tropical moist forest. The Eastern Guinean forests extend from the Sassandra River across the south-central and southeast portion of Cote d’Ivoire and east into Ghana, while the Western Guinean lowland forests extend west from the Sassandra River into Liberia and southeastern Guinea. The mountains of Dix-Huit Montagnes region, in the west of the country near the border with Guinea and Liberia, are home to the Guinean montane forests. The Guinean forest-savanna mosaic belt extends across the middle of the country from east to west, and is the transition zone between the coastal forests and the interior savannas. The forest-savanna mosaic interlaces forest, savanna and grassland habitats. Northern Cote d’Ivoire is part of the West Sudanian savanna, a savanna-and-scrubland zone of lateritic or sandy soils, with vegetation decreasing from south to north. The terrain is mostly flat to undulating plains, with mountains in the northwest. The lowest elevation in Cote d’Ivoire is at sea level on the coasts. The highest elevation is Mount Nimba, at 1,752 meters (5,748 ft) in the far west of the country along the border with Guinea and Liberia.

Cote d’Ivoire’s also has a large timber industry due to its large forest coverage. The nation’s hardwood exports match that of Brazil. In recent years there has been much concern about the rapid rate of deforestation. Rainforests are being destroyed at a rate sometimes cited as the highest in the world. The only forest left completely untouched in Cote d’Ivoire is Taï National Park (Parc National de Taï), a 3,600 km2 (1,390 sq mi) area in the country’s far southwest that is home to over 150 endemic species and many other endangered species such as the Pygmy Hippopotamus and 11 species of monkeys.

Eight percent of the country is arable land. Cote d’Ivoire is the world’s largest producer of cocoa, a major national cash crop. Other chief crops include coffee, bananas, and oil palms, which produce palm oil and kernels. Natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron, cobalt, bauxite, copper, and hydropower.

Information about the Ivorian Flag: Colors and Meaning of the Flag of Ivory Coast

The national flag of Cote d’Ivoire contains three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and green.

Note: Similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the colors reversed – green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white, and red; design was based on the flag of France.

Orange symbolizes the land (savannah) of the north and fertility, white stands for peace and unity, green represents the forests of the south and the hope for a bright future.

Extensive List of Languages of Ivory Coast: Spoken and Extinct Languages

:: List of Languages ::

Abé [aba] 170,000 (1995 SIL). Southern Department, Agboville Subprefecture (except Krobou Canton); Tiassale Subprefecture, Abbe Canton. 70 villages. Alternate names: Abbé, Abbey, Abi. Dialects: Tioffo, Morie, Abbey-Ve, Kos (Khos). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby

Abidji [abi] 50,500 (1993 SIL). Abidjan Department, Sikensi Subprefecture (12 villages); Dabou Subprefecture, a few villages. Alternate names: Abiji. Dialects: Enyembe, Ogbru. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby

Abron [abr] 132,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Eastern Department, Tanda and Bondoukou subprefectures. Alternate names: Bron, Brong, Doma, Gyaman. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Akan

Abure [abu] 55,100 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Bonoua Subprefecture; Grand Bassam Subprefecture, Abidjan. Alternate names: Abonwa, Abouré, Abule, Akaplass. Dialects: Most similar to Anyin [any]. Also close to Baoule [bci], Nzema [nzi]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Western

Adioukrou [adj] 100,000 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Dabou Subprefecture. 49 villages. Alternate names: Adjukru, Adyoukrou, Adyukru, Ajukru. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Agneby

Aizi, Aproumu [ahp] 6,500 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, Ebrié Lagoon banks, Attoutou A (new quarter), Attoutou B, Tefredji, Koko, Bapo (Allaba B, Taboth) villages; Dabou Subprefecture, Allaba village. Alternate names: Ahizi, Aprou, Aproumu, Aprwe, Oprou. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi

Aizi, Mobumrin [ahm] 2,000 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, Ebrié Lagoon north bank. 2 villages (Abraco and Abraniamiambo). Alternate names: Ahizi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi

Aizi, Tiagbamrin [ahi] 9,000 (1999 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, Ebrié Lagoon banks, Tiagba, Nigui-Assoko, Nigui-Saff, Tiémié, and Attoutou B (old quarter) villages. Alternate names:Ahizi, Lélémrin, Tiagba. Dialects: Not intelligible with Mobumrin Aizi [ahm], even though both are Kru languages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Aizi

Alladian [ald] 23,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Jacqueville Subprefecture, plain between the coast and Ebrie Lagoon. 21 villages. Alternate names: Alladyan, Allagia, Allagian. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Avikam-Alladian

Anyin [any] 610,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Population total all countries: 860,000. South region, Abidjan and Aboisso departments; East-Central region, Abengourou and Agnibilekrou departments; North-East region, Bondoukou and Tanda departments; North-Central region, M’bahiakro Department; and Central region, Bongouanou and Daoukro departments; Between

Kulango and Abron [abr] north; Nzema [sfw], Abure [abu], and Lagoon languages south; Baoulé west [bci]. Also in Ghana. Alternate names: Agni, Anyi. Dialects: Sanvi, Indenie, Bini, Bona, Moronou, Djuablin, Ano, Abe, Barabo, Alangua. Most similar to Baoulé. Also similar to Nzema, Sehwi [sfw]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern

Anyin Morofo [mtb] 300,000 (2002 SIL). Southern, Eastern, and Central departments, Moronou. Alternate names: Morofo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern

Attié [ati] 381,000 (1993 SIL). Abidjan Department, Anyama and Alepe subprefectures; Adzope Department, Adzope, Affery, Agou, Akoupe, Yakasse-Attobrou subprefectures. Alternate names:Akie, Akye, Atche, Atie, Atshe. Dialects: Naindin, Ketin, Bodin. Bodin dialect is the most prestigious and numerous. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Attie

Avikam 21,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Grand Lahou coastal plain area, Avikam Canton.Alternate names: Avekom, Brignan, Brinya, Gbanda, Kwakwa, Lahu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Avikam-Alladian

Bakwé [bjw] 10,300 (1993 SIL). Southern and West Central departments, Sassandra, Soubre, San Pedro prefectures. Dialects: Defa, Deple, Dafa, Nigagba, Nyinagbi. Most similar to Godié [god]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bakwe

Bambara [bam] 5,500 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Alternate names: Bamako, Bamana, Bamanakan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Northeastern Manding, Bamana

Baoulé [bci] 2,130,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department, widespread in the south. Alternate names: Baule, Bawule. Dialects: Similar to Anyin [any]. Many subgroups, but all claim to understand the standard variety. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Northern

Beng [nhb] 17,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department. M’bahiakro Subprefecture, northeast corner. 20 villages; Prikro Subprefecture. 2 villages. Alternate names: Ben, Gan, Ngain, Ngan, Ngen, Ngin, Nguin. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Ben-Gban

Bété, Daloa [bev] 130,000 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Daloa Subprefecture. Alternate names:Daloua Bété, Northern Bété. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western

Bété, Gagnoa [btg] 150,000 (1989 SIL). Gagnoa Subprefecture. Alternate names: Eastern Bété, Gagnoua-Bété, Shyen. Dialects: Nekedi, Zadie, Niabre, Kpakolo, Zebie, Guebie, Gbadi (Gbadie, Badie). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Eastern

Bété, Guiberoua [bet] 130,000 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Daloua, Issia, Guiberoua, Soubre, Buyo, Gregbeu, and Ouaragahio subprefectures. Alternate names: Central Bété, Western Bété. Dialects: Soubré, Guiberoua. Most similar to Godié [god]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western

Beti [eot] 200 (1999 R. Blench). Ethnic population: 3,181 (1988 census). Southern Department, Vitre I and Vitre II villages, Grand Bassam Subprefecture. Alternate names: Eotile. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Western

Birifor, Southern [biv] 4,310 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Northeast corner. Alternate names: Birifo. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Northern, Oti-Volta, Western, Northwest, Dagaari-Birifor, Birifor

Cerma [cme] 1,700 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Ouangolodougo area, north of Ferkessedougou. 5 villages.Alternate names: Gouin, Guin, Gwe, Gwen, Kirma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Kirma-Tyurama

Daho-Doo [das] 4,000 (1996 SIL). Western Department, north of Tai and south of the Guéré. Doo are in 5 villages south of Guiglo. Dialects: Although the Daho and Doo are considered Wè, their speech is not understood by other Wè. The greatest lexical similarity they have to any Wè variety is 80%, and the least is 30%. Lexical similarity 92% between the Daho and Doo dialects. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn

Dan [daf] 800,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 M. Bolli). 400,000 in Eastern Dan, 400,000 in western Dan. Population total all countries: 975,800. Man Prefecture (except Kouibly and Facoubly), Danané, Biankouma and Touba prefectures. 19 villages. Also in Guinea, Liberia. Alternate names: Da, Gio, Gio-Dan, Yacouba, Yakuba. Dialects: Gweetaawu (Eastern Dan), Blowo (Western Dan). At least 38 subdialects. In Liberia speakers in Garplay understood Côte d’Ivoire Yacouba dialect tapes as follows: Danane, Koulinle, Kale: very well; Blosse: quite well; Bloundo: reasonably well; dialects east of Blouno: considerable difficulty (M. Bolli SIL 1971). Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Tura-Dan

Deg [mzw] 1,100 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Alternate names: Aculo, Buro, Degha, Janela, Mmfo, Mo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Grusi, Western

Dida, Lakota [dic] 93,800 (1993 SIL). All Dida: 195,400 (1993 SIL). Lakota town area. Alternate names:Brabori, Dieko, Gabo, Guébie, Satro, Ziki. Dialects: Vata. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida

Dida, Yocoboué [gud] 102,000 (1993 SIL). 7,100 Guitry, 94,500 Divo. Southern Department, Guitry Subprefecture, Guitry town area. Dialects: Lozoua (Guitry, Yocoboue, Yokouboué, Gakpa, Goudou, Kagoué), Divo. Lakota Dida [dic] is marginally intelligible with Yocoboué Dida. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida

Ebrié [ebr] 75,900 (1988 census). Abidjan Department, urban Abidjan, Dabou Subprefecture, Bingerville Subprefecture. 57 villages, including 27 in Abidjan. Alternate names: Cama, Caman, Kyama, Tchaman, Tsama, Tyama. Dialects: Not related to surrounding languages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Potou

Ega [ega] 2,500 (2001 B. Connell). Southern Department, Diés Canton, Borondoukou village near Gly.Alternate names: Diés, Egwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Ega

French [fra] 17,500 in Côte d’Ivoire (1988 census). Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French

Gagu [ggu] 36,600 (1993). West Central Department, Oume Subprefecture. Alternate names: Gagou, Gban. Dialects: Bokwa, N’da, Bokabo, Tuka. N’da dialect is central. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Ben-Gban

Glio-Oubi [oub] 2,500 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Western Department, Tai Subprefecture, Tai Canton. 6 towns on each side of the border. Alternate names: Glio, Oubi, Ubi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Glio-Oubi

Godié [god] 26,400 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Sassandra and Fresco subprefectures; Kotrohou Canton, Koyo. Alternate names: Godye. Dialects: Tiglu, Glibe, Kagbo, Dagli, Nugbo, Dlogo, Jluko, Nyago, Koyo. The Koyo dialect may be more similar to Dida than to Godié. Kagbo is the most widely understood dialect. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Western

Grebo, Southern [grj] Dialects: Seaside Grebo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian

Guro [goa] 332,000 (1993 SIL). West Central and Central departments, Zuénoula, Vavoua, Gouitafla, Bouafle, Sinfra, Oumé subprefectures. Alternate names: Gouro, Kwéndré, Kweni, Lo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Guro-Yaoure

Jeri Kuo [jek] 1,500 (1990 R. Kastenholz). Ethnic population: 20,000 (1990 R. Kastenholz). Southwest; some north of Korhogo. Alternate names: Celle, Jeli Kuo. Dialects: Related to Ligbi [lig] of Ghana and Tongon, an extinct blacksmith argot of the Djimini Senoufo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri

Jula [dyu] 179,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). North region, Ferkessédougou Department, Kong Subprefecture; widespread in major cities. Alternate names: Dioula, Diula, Djula, Dyoula, Dyula, Jula Kong, Kong Jula, Tagboussikan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Northeastern Manding, Bamana

Khisa [kqm] 5,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (Vanderaa 1991). Population total all countries: 8,000. Also in Burkina Faso. Alternate names: Khi Khipa, Komono, Kumwenu. Dialects: Speakers say they can understand Kaansa [gna] given time. Also reportedly Senoufo. Lexical similarity: 82% with Dogosé [dos], 72% with Kpatogo dialect of Kaansa, 71% with Kaansa, 16% with Dogoso [dgs], 13% with Khe [kqg]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Central, Southern, Gan-Dogose
Kodia [kwp] 840 (1993 SIL). South central. Alternate names: Kwadia, Kwadya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Kwadia

Koro [kfo] 40,000 (1999 SIL). Mankono Department, Tiéningboué Subprefecture. Alternate names:Koro Jula. Dialects: High comprehension of Koyaga [kga]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Kouya [kyf] 10,100 (1993 SIL). West Central Department, Vavoua Subprefecture, Kouya Canton. 12 villages. Alternate names: Kowya, Kuya, Sokya. Dialects: Most similar to Gbadi Bété, Dida. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bete, Eastern

Koyaga [kga] 60,000 (1999 SIL). Mankono Department, western 4 subprefectures. Alternate names:Koya, Koyaa, Koyaga Jula, Koyagakan, Koyaka, Koyara. Dialects: Koyaga, Siaka, Sagaka, Nigbi. High comprehension of Koro [kfo]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Krahn, Western [krw] 12,200 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). West, Toulépleu area. Alternate names: Krahn, Northern Krahn. Dialects: Pewa (Peewa), Biai. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn

Krobu [kxb] 9,920 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Agboville Subprefecture. 4 villages. Alternate names: Krobou. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Krobu

Krumen, Plapo [ktj] 100 (2004). Southwest corner, between Bapo and Honpo dialects of Tepo Krumen [ted].Alternate names: Plapo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian

Krumen, Pye [pye] 20,000 (1993 SIL). All Krumen: 48,300 (1993 SIL). Southwest, Tai, Tai, Bereby, and part of San Pedro subprefectures. Alternate names: Kroumen, Northeastern Krumen, Southeastern Krumen. Dialects: Trepo, Wluwe-Hawlo (Haoulo), Gbowe-Hran, Wlepo, Dugbo, Yrewe (Giriwe), Yapo, Pie (Pye, Pie-Pli-Mahon-Kuse-Gblapo-Henekwe). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian

Krumen, Tepo [ted] 28,300 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). All Krumen: 48,300 (1993 SIL). Population total all countries: 31,210. Southwest, Tabou and Grabo subprefectures. Also in Liberia. Alternate names:Kroumen, Kru, Krumen, Southern Krumen, Southwestern Kroumen. Dialects: Tepo, Bapo, Wlopo (Ropo), Dapo, Honpo, Yrepo (Kapo), Glawlo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian

Kulango, Bondoukou [kzc] 77,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Population total all countries: 104,000. Eastern Department, Bondoukou Subprefecture. Also in Ghana. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Kulango

Kulango, Bouna [nku] 142,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993). Population total all countries: 157,500. Eastern Department, Nassian Subprefecture. Also in Ghana. Alternate names: Koulango, Kulange, Nkuraeng, Nkurange. Dialects: Nabanj. Bouna dialect speakers understand Bondoukou, but not the reverse. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Kulango

Ligbi [lig] 4,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (Vanderaa 1991). Eastern Department, Bineto village; Bouna community; Slil town near Boundoukou; Ourodougou near Malinke [loi] territory. Alternate names:Banda, Jogo, Ligwi, Nigbi, Nigwi, Tuba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri, Jogo

Lobi [lob] 156,000 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Eastern Department, north strip. Alternate names: Lobiri, Miwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Lobi

Loma [loi] 8,010 (2000). Tèèn and Kulango areas. Alternate names: Lomakka, Lomapo, Lomasse, Malinke. Dialects: Similar to Tèèn [lor] and Kulango [kzc] but not inherently intelligible. More similar to Kulango than Tèèn is to Kulango. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Teen

Mahou [mxx] 169,000 (1993 SIL). Northwest region, Touba Department. Alternate names: Mahu, Maou, Mau, Mauka, Mauke. Dialects: Mahouka, Koroka, Tenenga, Finanga, Baralaka (Barala). Some listed dialect speakers may not be able to use Mahou literature. Barala may be dialect of Wojenaka [jod]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Maninka, Forest [myq] 15,000. Northwest region, Odienné Department, near Mali and Guinea borders. Dialects:Wasulu (Wassulunka, Wassoulounka, Wassulunke). This may be the same language as Eastern Maninkakan [emk], Wojenaka [jod], or different from both. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Mbato [gwa] 25,000 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Petit Alépé Subprefecture. Alternate names:Goaa, Gwa, M’bato, Mbatto, Mgbato, N-Batto, Ogwia, Potu. Dialects: Related to Ebrii [ebr]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Potou

Mbre [mka] 200 (2000 SIL). Ethnic population: 700. Marabadiassa area, northwest of Bouake and Diabo, Bondosso and Niantibo villages. Alternate names: Bere, Bre, Pre, Pre Pisia. Dialects:Considerably different from surrounding Mande and nearby Kwa languages. Classification:Niger-Congo, Unclassified

Mwan [moa] 17,000 (1993 SIL). Kongasso Subprefecture and south Mankono Subprefecture. Alternate names: Mona, Mouan, Muan, Muana, Mwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Wan-Mwan

Neyo [ney] 9,200 (1993 SIL). Southern Department, Sassandra Subprefecture, Neyo, and Kébé cantons, from Niégba west to Dagbégo east and Niabayo north. Alternate names: Gwibwen, Towi. Dialects: Most similar to the Kagbo dialect of Godié [god], but they consider themselves a separate ethnic group. May be more similar to Dida than to Bété. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Dida

N’ko [nqo] Classification: Mixed language

Nyabwa [nwb] 42,700 (1993 SIL). 32,500 Nyabwa, 7,700 Nyedebwa, 2,500 Kouzié. West Central Department, northwest corner, Vavoua (Nyedebwa), Issia, Buyo, Zoukougbeu (Nyabwa), Daloua subprefectures. Alternate names: Niaboua, Nyaboa, Nyabwa-Nyédébwa. Dialects: Nyabwa, Nyedebwa (Niédéboua). Lexical similarity: 90% between the Nyabwa and Nyedebwa dialects, 74%–80% between them and We Southern [gxx] and We Northern [wob]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Nyabwa

Nzema [nzi] 66,700 in Côte d’Ivoire (1993 SIL). Aboisso Department, Tiapoum Subprefecture, southeast coast; Abidjan. Alternate names: Appolo, Nzima. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Nyo, Potou-Tano, Tano, Central, Bia, Southern

Senoufo, Cebaara [sef] 862,000 (1993 SIL). North, around Korhogo. Alternate names: Senadi, Senari, Syenere, Tiebaara, Tyebala. Dialects: Kafire, Kasara, Kufuru, Tagbari (Mbengui-Niellé), Patara, Pogara, Tyebara, Tagara, Tenere, Takpasyeeri (Messeni), Southwest Senari, Kandere (Tengrela), Papara, Fodara, Kulere, Nafara. Korhogo dialect is central. The Kulele speak the Kulere dialect scattered throughout the Senoufo area. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Senari

Senoufo, Djimini [dyi] 95,500 (1993 SIL). Dabakala Department, northwest corner. Alternate names: Djimini, Dyimini, Jinmini. Dialects: Diamala (Djamala, Dyamala), Djafolo, Dofana, Foolo, Singala. Singala is the prestige dialect of Dabakala. Lexical similarity: 76%–81% with Tagwana Senoufo [tgw]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Tagwana-Djimini

Senoufo, Nyarafolo [sev] 48,000 (2003 SIL). Northeast Ferkessédougou area. Alternate names: Nyarafolo-Niafolo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Senari

Senoufo, Palaka [plr] 8,000 (1995 SIL). Central Department, Sikolo area, north of Djimini. Alternate names:Kpalagha, Palaka, Palara, Pallakha, Pilara. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 65%–70% with other Senufo languages and dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Kpalaga

Senoufo, Shempire [seb] 100,000 (1996). North of Tingréla. Alternate names: Shenpire, Syempire. Dialects: 3 or 4 dialects. Relationship to Supyire Senoufo [spp] in Mali is undetermined. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Suppire-Mamara

Senoufo, Tagwana [tgw] 138,000 (1993 SIL). Central Department, north central area, west of Djimini. Alternate names: Tagbana, Tagouna, Tagwana. Dialects: Gbo (Zoro), Tafire, Niediekaha, Niangbo, Niakaramadougou, Fondebougou, Djidanan, Fourgoula, Katiara, Katiola. Lexical similarity: 76%–81% with Djimini dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Senufo, Tagwana-Djimini

Téén [lor] 6,100 in Côte d’Ivoire (1991). Population total all countries: 8,100. Bouna Department, Téhini Subprefecture. Also in Burkina Faso. Alternate names: Loghon, Lorhon, Loron, Nabe, Tegesie, Ténhé. Dialects: Different from Kulango. Most similar to Loma [loi], Bouna Kulango [nku]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Teen

Tonjon [tjn] Extinct. Dabakala Department, among the Djimini Senoufo [dyi]. Dialects: Related to Ligbi [lig] of Ghana and Jeri Kuo of Côte d’Ivoire [jek]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Jogo-Jeri, Jogo

Toura [neb] 38,500 (1993 SIL). East Biankouma Department, mountainous region east of Man to Touba main road, north of Man to Seguela main road, north of Bafing River; Bafing and Sassandra rivers from north and east borders. Alternate names: Tura, Ween. Dialects: Naò, Boo, Yiligele, Gwéò, Wáádú, Guse. Probably most similar to Dan [daf]. Also similar to Guro [goa], Gagu [ggu], Mann [mev] (in Liberia). Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Tura-Dan
Wan [wan] 22,000 (1993 UBS). Kounahiri and west Beoumi subprefectures. Alternate names: Nwa. Dialects: Miamu, Kemu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Nwa-Ben, Wan-Mwan

Wané [hwa] 2,100 (1993 SIL). Southwest coast. Alternate names: Hwane, Ngwané. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Eastern, Bakwe

Wè Northern [wob] 156,000 (1993 SIL). Western Department, Kouibly and Fakobly subprefectures. Alternate names: Ouobe, Wèè, Wobé. Dialects: Tao, Péomé, Sémien (Gbéan). Kouibly dialect intelligible to about half of Wè Southern [gxx] speakers. Lexical similarity: 90%–94% among dialects, Kouibly dialect (Tao and Gbean) has 84%–89% lexical similarity with Wè Southern dialects. Classification:Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Wobe

Wè Southern [gxx] 293,000 (1999 SIL). 20,000 Niao (1995 SIL). Western Department, Guiglo, Duékoué, Bangolo, Tai and subprefectures. Alternate names: Central Guéré, Gere, Guéré, Wèè. Dialects:Zibiao, Zagne, Zagna, Beu (Zarabaon), Zaa (Zaha), Neao (Niabo, Neabo), Gboo (Gbobo), Fleo, Nyeo. Southern Wè has 7 more consonants than Northern Wè [wob]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn

Wè Western [wec] 25,200 (1998 SIL). 20,000 Kaoro (1995 SIL). Western Department, Toulépleu Subprefecture. Alternate names: Gere, Guéré, Neyo, Wèè. Dialects: Nidrou (Nidru), Kaoro (Kaawlu, Kaowlu). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn

Wojenaka [jod] 120,000 (1999 SIL). 15,000 Wasulu. Northwest region, Odienné Department. Alternate names: Malinké, Odienné Jula, Odiennekakan. Dialects: Odienneka, Sienkoka, Nafana, Bodougouka, Toudougouka, Vandougouka, Wasulu (Wassulunka, Wassoulounka, Wassulunke, Forest Maninka). Some dialects listed may be separate languages. The Forest Maninka dialect may be Folongakan, a dialect of Wojenaka. The Barala dialect of Mahou [mxx] may be a dialect of Wojenaka. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Worodougou [jud] 80,000 (1999 SIL). Northwest region, Séguéla Department. Alternate names: Bakokan, Ouorodougou, Worodougou Jula, Worodougoukakan, Worodugu. Dialects: Worodougouka, Karanjan, Kanika. The Karanjan dialect may be a separate language. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding, Maninka-Mori

Yaouré [yre] 24,600 (Vanderaa 1991). 13,000 in villages, 7,000 in cities (1982 SIL). Bouaflé Department, Bouafli Subprefecture, Yaoure Canton, bounded south by Red Bandama, east by White Bandama River, north by Lake Kossou, west by Bouaflé. Alternate names: Yaure, Yohowré, Youré. Dialects: Klan, Yaan, Taan, Yoo, Bhoo. Most similar to Guro [goa]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Guro-Yaoure

:: Reference ::
Gordon, Raymond G., Jr. (ed.), 2005. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Fifteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/

Famous Ivorian People: Ivorian Artists, Scientists, Leaders, Musicians, Politicians and Athletes

Cote d’Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities with outstanding individuals who made a difference with their remarkable achievements.The following people made their mark on both the local and international scenes. They are just some of many famous Ivorians who have lifted Ivory Coast’s name worldwide and made a difference in our world. Their purpose and stories inspired awe if not greatness.

:: List of Famous People from Ivory Coast ::

Queen Abla Pokou
Queen Abla Pokou was a courageous woman who guided the Baoulé people from the territory that is now Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire. According to the legend, she was forced to sacrifice her own child in order to cross a river. After immolating her own son, the queen said “Ba ouli”, which means “the child is dead”. Since then, the word Baoulé designates the descendants of the people who were guided to Cote d’Ivoire by Abla Pokou.

Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Félix Houphouët-Boigny affectionately called Papa Houphouët or Le Vieux, was the first President of Cote d’Ivoire and the first African to become a French cabinet minister. Originally a village chief, he worked as a doctor, an administrator of a plantation, and a union leader, before being elected to the French Parliament and serving in a number of ministerial positions in the French government. From the 1940s until his death, he played a leading role in the decolonization of Africa and in his country’s politics.

Henri Konan Bédié
Henri Konan Bédié was the President of Cote d’Ivoire from 1993 to 1999, and he is currently the President of the Democratic Party of Cote d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA).

Bernard Bilin Dadié
Bernard Bilin Dadié is a prolific Ivoirian novelist, playwright, poet, and ex-administrator. Among many other senior positions, starting in 1957, he held the post of Minister of Culture in the government of Cote d’Ivoire from 1977 to 1986. He worked for the French government in Dakar, Senegal, but on returning to his homeland in 1947, became part of its movement for independence. Before Cote d’Ivoire’s independence in 1960, he was detained for sixteen months for taking part in demonstrations which opposed the French colonial government. In his writing, influenced by his experiences of colonialism as a child, Dadié attempts to connect the messages of traditional African folktales with the contemporary world. His humanism and desire for the equality and independence of Africans and their culture is also prevalent.

Famous Ivorian People: Ivorian Footballers/Soccer Players

The following Ivorian athletes dedicated themselves in promoting and inspiring people about football, one of the most well-loved sports in the world.

Yaya Touré
Gnégnéri Yaya Touré, commonly known as Yaya Touré, is an Ivoirian footballer who currently plays for Manchester City. He is a midfielder renowned for coupling physical power with great technique. Traditionally a defensive midfielder, he has been used more as an attacking midfielder by his coach Roberto Mancini at Manchester City. He was the first player from Cote d’Ivoire to play for FC Barcelona. Yaya Touré represented the Cote d’Ivoire national team in their first appearance in a FIFA World Cup, in the 2006 competition as well as in 2010. He is the younger brother of his Cote d’Ivoire and Manchester City teammate Kolo Touré. He also has a younger brother named Ibrahim who currently plays for Makasa.

Didier Drogba
Didier Yves Drogba Tébily is an Ivoirian footballer who plays in the centre forward position. He currently plays for Chelsea in the Premier League and is the captain and all-time top scorer of the Cote d’Ivoire national football team. He has scored more goals for Chelsea than any other foreign player and is currently Chelsea’s sixth highest goal scorer of all time. His key attributes include his physical strength, ability in the air, and his power to retain possession of the ball.

Romaric
Christian Koffi Ndri, commonly known as Romaric is an Ivoirian football midfielder who plays for Sevilla FC and the Cote d’Ivoire national team. Romaric is a versatile player, able to operate in defense and attack as well as midfield, although he is usually a playmaker.

Emmanuel Eboué
Emmanuel Eboué is an Ivorian footballer who plays for Premier League club Arsenal and the Cote d’Ivoire national team. His natural position is at right back, but he is also used in various other positions. Eboué debuted for Cote d’Ivoire in 2004 and has generally been regular fixture in defense, along with former teammate Kolo Touré. On the 18th November 2009, Eboué scored his first goal for Ivory Coast in a 2–2 draw against Germany. He was named in Sven Goran Eriksson’s Cote d’Ivoire squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Didier Zokora
Alain Didier Zokora-Déguy is an Ivoirian footballer who plays the position of midfielder. He joined the La Liga team Sevilla FC in the summer of 2009. Zokora plays in a defensive role and is a strong tactical player in the middle of the park.

Kolo Touré
Kolo Habib Touré is an Ivoirian professional footballer who currently plays for Premier League club Manchester City and he is also the vice-captain of the team. He plays internationally for the Ivoirian national team. Touré is a central defender. He is the elder brother of Manchester City teammate Yaya Touré and Makasa’s Ibrahim Touré.