People
Yamoussoukro has a population of roughly fifteen million people, which are predominantly tribal. It consists of over 60 different tribes the major ones being Baoule, Dan, Agni, Bete, Senoufo and Malinke. There are, accordingly, about 60 dialects. The population also has significant numbers of migrant workers from neighbouring African states like Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin, Guinea, Togo and Senegal. Enclaves of wealthy French and Lebanese merchants, businessmen and bankers also exist in the commercial capital, Abidjan. The country faces many social problems especially soaring crime rates, urban poverty with over two-thirds of urban Ivorians living in slums, and the highest incidence of HIV in West Africa (12% of the population).
A significant section of the population follows traditional religions and beliefs, while others follow Christianity and Islam. However, opinion is divided over the actual numbers due to the fact that many of those registered as Christians or Muslims continue to follow traditional beliefs, which includes ancestor worship, magic of all sorts practiced by medicine men or juju priests. The Senoufo are especially known for their committed perpetuation of traditional custom and culture. By official estimates, roughly 60% of the population follows traditional beliefs, while the rest are Christians or Muslims in almost equal proportions; most of the Muslims are concentrated in the north. Despite the small proportion of Catholics, Cote d’Ivoire boasts two of the largest Catholic cathedrals in the world.
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| IVORY
COAST (COTE D’IVOIRE)
Capital: Yamoussoukro
Area: 322,000km²
Population: 15,446,000
Time: GMT
Currency :CFA Franc
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Language: French, plus many African languages
Religion: Muslim, Christian, and others
Telephone: IDD+Country 00 225
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