CAPITAL YAMOUSSOUKRO - POPULATION 18.37 MILLION - AREA 318,000 SQ KM - OFFICIAL LANGUAGE FRENCH
Once a French protectorate (so its name is rarely translated to the lvory Coast), this West African nation is emerging from a troubled past to become one of Africa's jewels. Tai Nacional Park was geared towards ecotourism long before the concept became fashionable. The park has lodges which use solar power and also practices responsible waste management. The Grand Bassam beachfront has a faded colonial glory that is a magnet for visitors keen to explore the old town, or who are looking to simply chill on the sand. In stark contrast, toxic waste spilled in Abidjan has marred the former capital, so it is falling off visitors' itineraries despite being the commercial and banking centre of the country.
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