14,781,000 (1996).

45.8 per sq km.

Yamoussoukro (administrative and political capital since 1983).

130,000 (1990). Abidjan (former capital). , 2,797,000 (1995).

Côte d'Ivoire shares borders with Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana. There are 600km (370 miles) of coast on the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean). The southern and western parts of the country are forested, with undulating countryside rising to meet the savannah plains of the north and the mountainous western border. Three rivers, the Sassandra, the Bandama and the Comoé, run directly north–south and, on their approach to the coast, flow into a series of lagoons. Birdlife is plentiful throughout the country, but particularly so near the coast.

Republic. Gained independence from France in 1960. In 1999, the army took power and installed a National Council for Public Salvation. Head of State: Chairman of the National Council for Public Salvation, Robert Guéï since 1999. Head of Government: Prime Minister (information not available at the time of going to press).

The official language is French. The main African languages are Yacouba, Senoufo, Baoulé, Betie, Attie, Agni and Dioula (the market language).

39% Muslim, 26% Christian, 17% traditional beliefs.

GMT.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round 2-pin plugs are standard.