Abidjan

Abidjan is Ivory Coast's largest city and economic capital, located in the southern part of the country on the Ébrié River estuary along the Gulf of Guinea. It is a major port and a commercial hub, home to the country's largest urban population and to many national institutions and multinational companies.

Founded as a coastal trading post during the colonial era, Abidjan grew rapidly in the mid-20th century and became the political capital when Ivory Coast gained independence in 1960. It remained the political capital until 1983, when the capital was moved to Yamoussoukro, though Abidjan continued to function as the country's administrative and economic center.

Geographically, the city is organized into several communes, with the Plateau forming the central business district. The Vridi Canal, completed in the 1950s, provides deep-water access to the port on the Ebrié Lagoon, and the Port of Abidjan is one of West Africa's busiest.

Economy and infrastructure: Abidjan hosts the Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) at Port-Bouët, the main gateway for air travel to the country, and a modern port complex. The skyline of the Plateau and surrounding districts reflects its role as the financial and commercial heart of Ivory Coast. The city is also a center for higher education, with campuses such as Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Cocody, and a range of cultural venues.

Demographics: The city is highly diverse, with a population drawn from across Ivory Coast and neighboring West African countries. French is the official language, with Dioula and other local languages widely used in daily life. The city hosts markets, restaurants, music scenes, and a variety of cultural events.