The eagerly awaited African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is scheduled to commence on January 13 in Ivory Coast. This tournament promises to showcase the continent’s prominent football talents.
However, besides knowing Ivory Coast as one of Africa’s giants when it comes to football, as it has produced some of the continent’s finest footballers (Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and Kolo Toure among others), do you know any other facts about the West African country?
Here are some fun facts about Ivory Coast that will help you understand the country better.
Ivory Coast, officially the “Republic of Cote d’Ivoire,” has an estimated population of approximately 30 million people. Yamoussoukro is the capital of Ivory Coast. The country’s famous and dominant ethnic group (Baoule) was founded by Queen Poku, also known as (Awura, Aura, or Abla Pokou).
One of the Biggest Church Structures in Africa
Of course, various criteria determine how large a place is: structure, sitting capacity, and exterior area. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is considered one of the largest churches in Africa based on exterior area. It even made it to the Guinness World Record. The exterior area of the church is approximately 30,000 square meters. Completed in 1990, the building was inspired by the Vatican Basilica. The church has a seating capacity of 18,000.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Ivory Coast is one of only four countries on the African continent that boasts five beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some historical sites like the Sudanese-style Mosque in the country’s north built between the 11th and 19th centuries, Grand-Bassam Colonial town, and natural beauties like the Tai National Park, Mount Nimba, and Comoe National Park.
Mount Nimba
This mountain is also known as Mount Richard-Molard. It is a mountain range along the border between Ivory Coast and Guinea (another African country).
The mountain stands at about 1,752 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in the country.
Languages In Ivory Coast
French is the official language in Cote d’Ivoire. However, it is just one of many languages spoken in the country. There are at least 75 local languages in the country.
Some of the famous indigenous languages include Baoule, Anyin, Senufo, and Dan. English is also spoken sparsely across the country.
Fufu: The National Dish
Like many African countries, there are many delicacies in Ivorian cuisine. Some of the staple foods in Ivory Coast include Yam (especially pounded), Plantain, cassava, different sauces, and stew, mainly vegetables.
The National dish, fufu, is popular all around the African continent. Fufu is a cassava-based meal. It is processed and cooked into a sticky dough enjoyed more with the hand than with utensils.
Climate In Ivory Coast
The climate in the country is located between a transitional humid equatorial climate and a dry tropical climate.
Typically, Ivory Coast is always warm to hot all year round. Although the country experiences rainfall every year, it is still warm. The temperature is cooler between December and March, making it the best time to visit the country.