Cote D'Ivoire🇨🇮
Cote D'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is located on the West coast of Africa. Bordered by Liberia and Guinea to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, Ghana to the east, and Gulf of Guinea to the south. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Cote D'Ivoire hosts a variety of traditions such as the Zaouli dance and mask, and is famous for its Mont Peko National Park and Comoé National Park. Its vibrant landscapes include beaches, lagoons, forests and savannahs. It's also the world's major producer of cocoa. When visiting, one can explore the marketplaces in Abidjan, the historic town of Grand-Bassam, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, which is one of the largest Christian churches in the world.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid travelling overland at night due to the risk of banditry.
- Avoid areas where large crowds are gathering as these can turn violent.
- Avoid undercooked or raw foods, as they can lead to foodborne illnesses.
- Avoid consuming tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected.
- Avoid residential areas that are prone to flooding during the rainy season.
- Avoid carrying large sums of money or displaying expensive jewelry, to mitigate the risk of petty theft.
- Avoid going out alone at night, especially if you are a woman, to reduce the risk of harassment or assault.
- Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations due to the potential for violence.
- Avoid swimming in freshwater sources due to the risk of diseases such as schistosomiasis.
- Avoid homophobic or discriminatory behavior as it can lead to social tensions and confrontations.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Criminality poses significant risk with instances of violent crimes like armed robbery, carjacking, and home invasion reported throughout the country, especially in Abidjan, the economic capital. Additionally, petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching are common in crowded places. Road banditry is also a concern on major highways after dark. The relatively low score reflects the challenging crime situation in the country.
Terrorism 💣
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Côte d’Ivoire has experienced terror attacks including the 2016 Grand-Bassam attack where gunmen attacked the beach resort killing 16 people. The country remains under threat from extremist militant groups in the Sahel region. The government continues to strengthen its counter-terrorism efforts, but the risk remains.
War ⚔️
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Though Côte d’Ivoire experienced a civil war from 2002-2007 and post-electoral violence in 2010-11, the country has since made progress towards political stability and economic recovery. Ongoing issues of land ownership and ethnic tension remain contributing factors to sporadic flare-ups.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Natural disaster risk in Côte d’Ivoire is relatively low, though heavy rains do often result in flooding, particularly in Abidjan. In 2014 and 2018, serious flooding caused casualties and displacement. While there are no active volcanoes or significant seismic activity in the country, the impact of climate change continues to be a concern.
Medical Care 🏥
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Advanced medical the care facilities are limited in number and primarily located in urban areas such as Abidjan. The rural areas suffer due to lack of infrastructure and medical facilities. The country also lacks in proper emergency services and ambulance facilities.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water is not generally considered safe for consumption in Côte d’Ivoire, especially in rural areas. It's advisable to boil all water or drink only bottled water. Poor sanitation in some areas has also heightened the risk of waterborne diseases.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Côte d’Ivoire has a high prevalence of infectious diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, typhoid, and HIV/AIDS. In 2020, the country also had an outbreak of Dengue fever. There also remains the possibility of regional outbreaks of Ebola virus disease.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is widespread in many sectors in the country, including within the police force. Over the years, there have been efforts to deal with corruption by improving transparency and accountability, however, corruption remains deeply rooted in the country's socio-political and economic structures.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Safety for women is an area of concern. Street harassment is commonplace in urban areas, and sexual violence and discrimination against women remain problems, particularly outside of the major cities. Reports of violence directed at women are high.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Côte d'Ivoire doesn't criminalize homosexuality, but societal acceptance remains relatively low and instances of discrimination and violence towards the LGBTQ+ community can occur.
Censorship 📺
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Côte d’Ivoire has made strides in freedom of press and speech comparatively. However, journalists are occasionally targeted for criminal defamation. Social media and Internet services are generally not restricted, but the government has previously interrupted these during times of political insecurity.
Public Transportation 🚌
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The public transportation system is not well-regulated and can be unreliable. Private taxis are common. Road conditions can be challenging outside of the major cities and driving standards are generally poor. There have been reports of accidents involving inter-city buses.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Côte d'Ivoire, despite strides towards security, still remains a moderate safety risk to travellers. Petty crime is pervasive and there are risks of more serious violent crimes as well. It's important to be vigilant and take precautions especially in urban areas. Travelers should consider the risk of diseases and take necessary preventive measures. It is also advised to respect local customs and avoid politically volatile situations.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Many countries have embassies situated in the economic capital city, Abidjan including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and various European and African countries.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations for Côte d'Ivoire include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza. Antimalarial medication is also recommended.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Côte d'Ivoire is home to an array of wildlife, some of which may pose a threat to humans. This includes snakes such as the Puff Adder and the Black Mamba. Mosquitoes can transmit numerous diseases, including malaria and yellow fever.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Travelers need a visa to visit Côte d'Ivoire. It's advised to apply for a visa before arrival through an online E-visa system. Some nationalities, however, may be eligible for a visa on arrival.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotel cashiers, and licensed money changers.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are accepted in major cities, at most hotels, restaurants and with major businesses. However, in rural areas and smaller establishments, cash is generally the only form of payment.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel in Côte d'Ivoire may be possible, but it requires consideration of the political and security situation. There are volunteer programs available, often related to teaching or ecological preservation. A work visa would be required for any formal employment.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Côte D’Ivoire is a fairly affordable destination for travelers. Accommodation, food and transport are typically reasonably priced. However, foreign tourists can often find themselves paying more than locals.