Introduction: Cote d'Ivoire Download PDF

While Cote d’Ivoire is one of the wealthiest countries in tropical Africa, the country suffered its first military uprising in 1991 as groups fought for control of the government. Robert GUEI, the ruler of the junta, was quickly overthrown and replaced by his runner-up Laurent GBAGBO. In 2003, rebel groups were given ministerial positions in a unity government, after they took over the northern part of the country. After a standoff of three months, the GBAGBO regime and rebel groups started again to work on the peace accord, but no solution has been reached. Troops from France and West Africa have been provided to help with disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation, and to keep peace. In March 2007 President GBABGO and former New Force rebel leader Guilaume SORO signed an agreement that would reunite the country by dismantling the zone of confidence separating North from South, integrate rebel forces into the national armed forces, and hold elections.

Capital City: Yamoussoukro (GMT)  
Chief of State: President Laurent Gbagbo  
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Guillaume Soro  
Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc  
Main Cities: Bouake, Daloa, Gagnoa  
Major Languages: French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken  
Calling Code: 225  
Voltage: 220  
Stock Exchanges: Regional Stock Exchange of West Africa  
Primary Religions: Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, indigenous 11.9%, none 16.7% (2008 est.)  

Main Airports

Abidjan (ABJ) (Félix Houphouët-Boigny), Yamoussoukro (ASK) (San Pedro)

U.S. Embassy

Riveria Golf, Cocody, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
tel. 225. 22-49-4000

Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA
$1,700 (2008 est.)
Inflation Rate
6.3% (2008 est.)
Population
20617068 (July 2009 est.)
Country Risk Ratings
D
Ease of Doing Business
161/181
Global Competitiveness
110/134

Statistics

Labor force:
7.275 million (68% agricultural) (2008 est.)
Exports:
$10.41 billion (2008 est.)
Exports - partners:
Germany 11.1%, US 10.3%, Netherlands 9.9%, Nigeria 9.4%, France 6.5%, Burkina Faso 4.1% (2008)
Imports:
$7.155 billion (2008 est.)
Imports - partners:
Nigeria 32%, France 15.1%, China 7.8% (2008)
Major Industries:
foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining, truck and bus assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials, electricity, ship construction and repair

Rankings

Corruption Perceptions Index
2.1 out of 180
 
The Corruptions Perception Index (CPI) is reported annually by Transparency International, an international civil society organization. The CPI ranks countries in terms of the degree to which corruption exists in the misuse of public power for private benefit among public officials and politicians. CPI is a composite index determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys. The highest ranked country is the country with the least amount of perceived corruption. Index units, 10=least corrupt, 0=most corrupt.

Data collected in 2006

Source: Transparency International

E-readiness Rankings
-
 
The E-readiness Ranking is reported yearly by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a research and advisory firm. The E-readiness Ranking evaluates the technological, economic, political and social assets of countries to assess the information and communications technology infrastructure, and the infrastructures benefits on the country's consumers, businesses and governments. The higher ranked countries have a better ability to leverage digital channels for communication, commerce, and government in order to further development.

Data collected in 2007

Source: EIU

Freedom of the Press
65 out of 191
 
The Freedom of the Press Survey is an annual report by The Freedom House, an organization that promotes and researches advocacy of freedom across countries. The Press Survey assesses the degree of print, broadcast, and internet freedom in every country in the world. Ratings are determined by examining three broad categories: the legal environment in which media operate (0-30 points), political influences on reporting and access to information (0-40 points), and economic pressures on content and the dissemination of news (0-30 points). The highest ranked country has the greatest degree of press freedom. Index units, 1-30: Free, 31-60: Partly Free, 61-100: Not Free.

Data collected in 2006

Source: Freedom House

Global Services Location Index
-
 
The Global Services Location Index is published annually by A.T. Kearney, a global management consulting firm. The Global Services Location Index measures the viability of countries as a potential offshore destination for services, based on their financial attractiveness (0-4 points), people and skills availability (0-3 points), and business environment (0-3 points). The highest ranked country is the most attractive as a potential offshoring destination. Index units, 0=location does not provide offshore support, 10=location does provide offshore support.

Data collected in 2007

Source: A.T. Kearney

Index of Economic Freedom
111 out of 155
 
The Index of Economic Freedom is reported annually by the Heritage Foundation, a research and educational institute. The Index of Economic Freedom analyzes a wide range of issues including trade barriers, corruption, government expenditures, property rights, and tax rates to generate an overall ranking of economic freedom. The highest ranked country is the country with the least number of restrictions and constraints on businesses.

Data collected in 2008

Source: Heritage Foundation

Inward FDI Potential Index
128 out of 140
 
The Inward FDI Potential Index is reported every three years by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, an organization that promotes the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The Inward FDI Potential Index uses several economic factors that are expected to affect an economy’s attractiveness to foreign investors. The higher ranked countries are more attractive to investors. Index units, 0=low scoring country, 1=high scoring country.

Data collected in 2006

Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 2006

Tax Misery & Reform Index
-
 
The Forbes Tax Misery Index is annually compiled by Forbes, an American publishing and media company. The Tax Misery Index reflects the sum of corporate income, personal income and wealth taxes plus employer social security, employee social security and VAT/sales taxes at the highest marginal rate in each locale. The highest ranked countries impose the harshest taxes while those at the bottom are the most tax friendly.

Data collected in 2007

Source: Forbes

The Globalization Index
-
 
The Globalization Index is compiled annually by A.T. Kearney and Foreign Policy. The Globalization Index ranks the major developed and developing countries in the world by analyzing key components of global integration, such as economic, personal, technological, and political integration. The highest ranked country is the most globalized.

Data collected in 2007

Source: Foreign Policy