Known for its beach resorts, rain forests and its fashion, Côte d'Ivoire is a West African country that may be overlooked as a big travel destination, but truly packs a punch when it comes to tourism.
Before you visit, here are 5 things you should know:
1: The country has two different names. The English version is Ivory Coast and the French version is Côte d'Ivoire. It is now known as its French name after the name was changed officially since 1985. Many people still call it Ivory Coast as it is easier to pronounce.
2: Unlike other countries, Ivory Coast has two official capitals,Yamoussoukro and Abidjan. Yamoussoukro is fourth largest city in the country and known as the administrative and political capital. Abidjan is the economic capital.
3: Ivory Coast is home to the largest Basilica (type of church) in the world named the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro.
4: Did you known the official currency, the West African Franc is also used by countries like Togo, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Niger.
5: Ivory Coast is a very diverse place. Around 42 percent of the population is Akan and there are five major ethnic groups.