ISD CODE: + 225
Time Zone: GMT
Area: 322 463 sq. kms. (124 471 sq. mi.)
Capital: Yamoussoukro
Main cities: Abidjan, Bouake, Daloa, Man, San-Pedro
Population: 12.1 million
Languages: French (official), and over 60 African dialects
General information: Most of the population lives on the coastal strip. It has Equitorial rainforests to the South, and drier savanna to the North. High rainfalls are the norm in the South, the North has a much drier climate.
The country retains a strong alliance with its former colonial power, France.
A large proportion of the rainforest has been logged, although considerable reserves remain, and timber export is a major industry.
Other main exports are coffee, cocoa, and petroleum products.
Mining sector: Latest figures available indicate 1,850 kilograms of gold, and 85,000 carats of diamonds exported, both of which are insignificant by world standards.
