Terrain
Mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest
Climate
Tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons—warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October)
People
Nationality: Ivoirian(s)
Population: 22,848,945 (July 2014 est.) Note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS
Languages: French (official), 60 native dialects of which Dioula is the most widely spoken
Religions
Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, Indigenous 11.9%, none 16.7% (2008 est.)
Economy
Cote d'Ivoire is heavily dependent on agriculture and related activities, which engage roughly two-thirds of the population. Cote d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans and a significant producer and exporter of coffee and palm oil. Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for these products and in climatic conditions. Cocoa, oil, and coffee are the country's top export revenue earners.
Living Conditions
Living conditions vary enormously between city and rural dwellers, and according to people's wealth. Most people still live in villages, usually with dirt roads. Although increasing numbers have electricity, many still live in simple, traditional ways, fetching their own water and firewood. Their houses are cone-shaped and have thatched roofs. Less than half the population lives in towns and cities. Those who are well-off live in pleasant two-story or three-story houses.
Government
Republic; multiparty presidential regime established 1960
US Military Presence/Support