In 2000, the country adopted a new constitution. Its stability was diminished by a coup d'Г©tat in 1999 and two civil wars, first between 20 and again during 2010вЂ“2011. Relatively stable by regional standards, Ivory Coast established close political and economic ties with its West African neighbours while at the same time maintaining close relations to the West, especially France. It achieved independence in 1960, led by FГ©lix HouphouГ«t-Boigny, who ruled the country until 1993.

The area became a protectorate of France in 1843 and was consolidated as a French colony in 1893 amid the European scramble for Africa. The country has large populations of the adherents of Christianity, Islam and various indigenous religions.Д«efore its colonization by Europeans, Ivory Coast was home to several states, including Gyaaman, the Kong Empire and BaoulГ©. In total, there are around 78 different languages spoken in Ivory Coast. The official language of the republic is French, with local indigenous languages also being widely used that include BГ©tГ©, BaoulГ©, Dioula, Dan, Anyin, and Cebaara Senufo. It borders Guinea to the northwest, Liberia to the west, Mali to the northwest, Burkina Faso to the northeast, Ghana to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean) to the south.

CГґte d'Ivoire's political capital is Yamoussoukro in the centre of the country, while its economic capital and largest city is the port city of Abidjan. Ivory Coast, also known as CГґte d'Ivoire, officially the Republic of CГґte d'Ivoire, is a country located on the south coast of West Africa. Including approximately 130,000 Lebanese and 14,000 French people.

Ivory coast flag