COTE D'IVOIRE (IVORY COAST)

Thi is a country in West Africa.The country's early history is virtually unknown though a Neolithic culture is thought to have existed. In the 19th century it was invaded by two Akan groups. In 1843-1844, a treaty made it a protectorate of France and in 1893 Côte d'Ivoire became a French colony. Its status under French rule changed until the country reached its independence in 1960. Until 1993 the country was led by Félix Houphouët-Boigny and was closely associated economically and politically with its West African neighbors, forming the Council of the Entente for example. At the same time the country maintained close ties to the west, which helped its economic development and political stability.
Côte is divided into 19 regions and 58 departments. Côte d'Ivoire's economy is largely market-based and relies heavily on agriculture with smallholder cash crop production being dominant. For a developing country, it has an excellent infrastructure.