Overall Score
In the lands of Western Africa, the city of Yamoussoukro, the center of the state of Côte dIvoire, has opened. About 240 kilometers away is the large metropolis of Abidjan, the former capital of the country. The first president of Côte dIvoire, Houphouët-Boigny, was born in Yamoussoukro, one of the reasons why the capital city was moved to its territory in 1983.
Multiple transport lines cross the citys boundaries. The international airport has regular flights. Food and wood processing companies are operating. The agricultural sector is developed in the capital city. It grows yams, bananas, coffee, cacao, and raises cattle as well as goats and sheep. In Yamoussoukro is the seat of the Presidential Conference and the House of the Party. It was founded by French colonists. Initially it was the center of the Ivory Coast Colony. But in 1934 it was moved to Abidjan. The industrial plants in Yamoussoukro were opened after the countrys Declaration of Independence in 1960. ×Twenty-three years later, the decision was made to move the capital of Abidjan to Yamoussoukro. Between 1960 and 1980, the citys economic development was quite successful. But due to the fall in export prices in the early 1990s, it declined.
The city is known for its large church, the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Paix, located on its territory. Construction began in 1986 and was completed in 1989. The lofty monumental structure can be seen from afar. Its creator is the first president of the young nation. When the capital center was moved to Samucaukro, it was marked by the groundbreaking of a new church. Although the church was modelled on the Church of St. Peter in Rome, its architecture retains a distinctive style that differs from the original. French is the official language, although many people in the capital city use Tekke and Koko. The dominant religion is Christianity. A small number of citizens are Muslims and adherents of their forefathers faith.
Overall Score
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 210,000 people
- GDP: $1,552 / year
- Internet: 8 Mbps
- Best wireless: MTN
- Tipping: A service charge is usually added to more upscale restaurant bills, and where it is not, a tip of 10-15 percent is acceptable. If you are happy with the service, tip the bellboy and the maid in local currency. Taxi drivers will not expect a tip as it is usual to haggle down the price before you ride. Tour guides and drivers should receive 5-10 percent of the total cost of the tour.
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best hospital: Chr De Yamoussoukro
- Best short-haul air carrier: Air Cte dIvoire
- Best intl air carrier: Air Cte dIvoire
- Monthly costs for expat: $2200
- Monthly costs for family: $4500
- Monthly costs for local: $1250
- Meal: $12
- Small Cola: $1.8
- Beer 1 Pint: $4.5
- Coffee: $3.5
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