This Summer of 2015 I have been privileged to study African history. For this final blog I would like to do a quick summary of some of the things I learned about Africa today and an over view of my studies on Ivory Coast.

From where I sit, Africa is thousands of miles away, south of Europe and Asia, stretching far south below the equator. According to the world population review Africa is the second largest and most populated continent in the world with well over a billion people as well as “home to 54 recognized sovereign states and countries, 9 territories and 2 de facto independent states with very little recognition.” Due to political conflict and frequent wars many of the nations of Africa are considered third world countries where poverty is prevalent.

As said before Arica is the second largest continent, however this concept is often difficult to understand in a land where most world maps center on North America. This curious map opened my eyes to the enormity of the continent.

 

http://kai.sub.blue/images/True-Size-of-Africa-kk-v3.pdf

           

The common miss conception of Africa is that it is peopled exclusively by those of dark complexion. While it is true that a large percentage of the population has beautiful ebony skin, modern Africa is home to hundreds of ethnicities. In North Africa many of lighter skin and Arabian decent have lived for centuries. The European colonial efforts transplanted opportunistic souls to Africa, and while many emigrated back to Europe after the nations were granted independence there are many who remain from England, Netherlands and Portugal for instance. In portions of Africa where serious racial tensions and superiority laws were implemented post colonial days there is still a great deal of animosity towards the decedents of these immigrants. Another large minority racial demographic is the Asian populations, many brought over as indentured servants by the British from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. (saylor).

 http://www.beautifulpetals.com/uncategorized/africa-arise/

           

Along with a great deal of ethnic diversity, Africa is home to between one thousand five hundred and two thousand languages.

Some of the  predominant language groups are displayed on the map below from nations online are-

Afro-Asiatic in North East African particularly where the Arabian/Islamic influence has been. A major conduit of these languages has been the Nile River, its tributaries and the great rift valley stretching deeper south into Africa. There are approximately 140 million speakers within this group.

Niger-Saharian is the largest language division with over 200 million people. A major subgroup within this is the Bantu languages.

Khoisan is a much smaller divion with only about thirty languages in Western Southern Africa.

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/african_languages.htm

In Northern Africa as well as coastal nationals along the east Islamic groups have seen continued growth and influence in the modern age. Some view Islam as the religion of Africa even though it came from the Middle East and African Traditional Religions are still widely practiced. Though Christianity has seen set backs due to association with European colonialism, many regions Christian communities have expanded as national leaders continue to take more control. Both Islam and Christianity are often mixed with traditional beliefs as local superstations are often very deeply rooted.  Religious groups like Hinduism and Buddhism though practiced predominantly by immigrants from Asia have spread in the last few decades as well.

http://blog.oup.com/2014/05/15-facts-on-african-religions/

This leads us to the summary of our Cote d’Ivoire studies.

Cote d’Ivoire, thought a smaller nation within Africa, has contributed greatly over the years. Sandwiched on the coast of North West Africa between English and American influenced Ghana and Liberia and bordered to the north by former French Colonies Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali. The nation still bears scares from the slave trade day and Colonialism, however benefited from a stable government for a long period post independence. Since 1999 the nation has suffered occasional political turmoil and civil wars. At the current time the government is quite stable and the economy has continued to go on the up swing.

 

http://www.worldpress.org/profiles/ivory_coast.cfm

The capital city Yamoussukro is actually the fifth largest in the nation, with Abidjan by far being the largest and most populous at over 4 million (Citypopulation.de). The nation is broken p into 31 one region and further divided into sub-prefectures. Though the nation has a democratic government, during its longest and pro-western period it only had one President. During the cues and Civil wars tensions were played on both the nations ethnic and religious diversity. There are over 66 languages with in Ivory Coast, but the official language for business and trade is still French.

https://afrikart.wordpress.com/

While Islam plays a significant role in inland Ivory Coast, along the coastal regions Christian missionaries work has continued since the 1600’s. There are many denominations still ministering within the nation, both Catholic and Protestant. Some have been significant in assisting in public aid needs like setting up much needed medical clinics and educational centers.

http://www.confectionerynews.com/Manufacturers/Cocoa-child-slavery-case-against-Nestle-ADM-and-Cargill-proceeds

The nation does not mandate education for children. The CIA World fact book puts the poverty level in Ivory Coast at 42%. Many of the poorest in the nation live and work on the nations Cocoa farms. With the majority of Cocoa farms being family owned, the majority of Ivoirians do not see it as a crime to have their young children work and many see them as irreplaceable assets to their farms. Even though Ivory Coast produces more cocoa for chocolate than any other nation, the Ivorian farmers are only paid cents on the pound for what is a very labor intensive crop. Tough other industries do exist like fishing, logging and limited manufacturing, they still have not provided the economic push the nation needs to provide wide spread economic lift. Even so, the unemployment rate is considerably less than many other African nations and many have immigrated to the region for low paying employment.

 https://afrikart.wordpress.com/

The arts of Ivory Coast still show much of the traditional influence. The music still features strongly drums and local instruments, but western guitars, keyboards, and horns have been incorporated in many areas as well. The traditional masks for religious and celebration ceremonies are one of the most popular craft items with in the region. Though not a major force in international textiles the local work is exquisite and often long lasting.

           

http://theawesomeivorycoast.weebly.com/music-and-dance.html

                       

           

I learned a great deal this summer and have enjoyed perusing my fellow students work as well. I wish you all a wonderful 4th of July and prosperous pursuits.                      

Bibliography

Africa Population. World Population Review. 2015

http://worldpopulationreview.com/continents/africa-population/

Languages of Africa. nationsonline.org . 1998-2015

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/african_languages.htm

Krause, Kal. The True Size of Africa. 1980’s. Released to Public Domain

http://kai.sub.blue/images/True-Size-of-Africa-kk-v3.pdf

Olupona Phd., Jacob. 15 facts on African religions. May 16th 2014.

http://blog.oup.com/2014/05/15-facts-on-african-religions/

Ethnic groups in Africa. Saylor.

http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Ethnic-groups-in-Africa.pdf

Cote d’Ivoire – Republic of Cote d”ivoire (Ivory Coast). City Population. March 30, 2011

http://www.citypopulation.de/CotedIvoire.html

Ivory Coast. CIA World Factbook. 2015

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/iv.html

Ivory Coast Music. The Awesome Ivory Coast. 

http://theawesomeivorycoast.weebly.com/music-and-dance.html

Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) People and Culture. The AfricanGuide. 2015

http://www.africaguide.com/country/ivoryc/culture.htm

https://youtu.be/jgD9qEpOtfg

Borders of a Nation

The boarders of Ivory Coast have been set by two major factors- Geography and European powers. Before Africa was parcels off by the European powers the area encompassed by  Ivory Coast was host to 66 people and language groups. The languages all had major similarities and are believed to be from the same root family; however the mountains, jungle, and rivers kept travel over the centuries to a minimum which allowed for such diversity within such a small region.

Compared to the other nations along the coast of north West Africa, Cote d’Ivoire is quite large actually. To the west along the coast and separated by the Cavalla and Cess rivers is Liberia, which was occupied for a time by the United States and thus had English influences. To the East is Ghana which was a British Colony. Guinea on its North West and Mali on its center north and Burkina Faso along the east portion bordered much of the way by the Black Volta River was also French territories. Mali was quite different being so rooted in the Islamic culture. The north border is drawn a great deal along mountain ranges.

For much of Ivory Coasts history since independence Africans from other nations have sought refuge within its borders due to its relative economic and political stability. This changed for a period following the civil unrest in the early 2000s through 2012. Liberia and Ghana were over run with refugees, both unable to handle the crisis nor able to supply their own resources sufficiently to employ or care for such population influxes. As the government stabilized joint meetings with the bordering nations took place to ensure both sides were confident in their national security and trade interests. Only last year Ivory Coast took the unpopular but understandable position of closing all of its land borders during the Ebola out break in an attempt to prevent its entering the nation. Considering the poor state of the nation’s health infrastructure this plague would have been devastating if it had broken out as it did in many other African nations.

Liberia, Ivory Coast Plan Border Meeting July. All Africa. April 30^th, 2015. Accessed June 24^th, 2015.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201504301471.html

Holland, Leslie. Ivory Coast closing border due to Ebola outbreak. CNN. Augustus 25^th, 2014. Accessed June 23, 2015.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/23/world/africa/ebola-outbreak/

Dosso, Zoom. Liberia struggles with violence along insecure Ivory Coast border. AFP-Yahoo! News. May 24^th, 2015. Accessed June 23^rd, 2015.

http://news.yahoo.com/liberia-struggles-violence-along-insecure-ivory-coast-border-093208776.html

 country operations profile – Cote d’Ivoire. UNHCR Global Appeal 2015 update. Accessed June 23^rd, 2015.

http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e484016.html

CBLOMBAUM. Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire the Great Maritime Boundary Battle. Guardian Global Resources- West Africa. October 7, 2014. Accessed June 23^rd, 2015.

http://ggrwestafrica.com/2014/10/07/ghana-cote-divoire-and-the-great-maritime-boundary-battle/

Kaplin, Seth. Cote d’Ivoire’s Ethnic, Religious, and Geographic Division. Fragile States. Accesed June 23^rd, 2015

http://www.fragilestates.org/2012/06/06/cote-divoire-ethnic-division/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cote-divoire-ethnic-division

Missoins

While African traditional religions still dominate Cote d’Ivoire’s religious landscape, it has become ever more diverse since colonial days. Before the Dutch arrived the only missionaries to the area were Muslim who came to the area with traders from the north east of Africa. While many nations in Africa had embraced Islamic beliefs almost in entirety, the local beliefs proved much more tight nit than many others. Today it is estimated between thirty to forty percent of the populations are followers of the profit Mohammed.

Christianty arrived in the region were Catholic missionaries in 1637. This was shortly after the French took control of the area. The mission set up by this first group was short lived, but later missions did take hold but not till 1843 when great colonial interest in the region propelled missionaries and traders to the region in increased number. Though Catholicism’s portion of the population is much smaller than other religious groups  the nation has the worlds largest worlds largest cathedral- the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro the nations capital. This was not built by missionaries or even commissioned by the church, but was a pet project of former president of Cote d’Ivoire Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ivory-coast/yamoussoukro-basilica-of-our-lady-of-peace

Because the French were predominantly Catholic, protestant missionaries did not find a very welcoming environment in the ports of Ivory Coast. They did not establish missions in the country until Methodists arrived in 1924. They were followed by all types and colors of evangelical denominations. After independence in 1960 however a door closed to most foreign missionaries. Some found entrence to the region only for a day or two at a time by crossing the boarders to witness and minister to established churches. All of a sudden in 1975 missionary visa’s started being permitted as many mission boards list this year as their first entrance into Cote d’Ivoire.

There are small presences of other religions like Buddhism and Bahia, through missionary efforts to the region, primarily in the large cities of Abidjan and the capital. The largest obstacle modern missionaries have had to overcome has been the unrest result from the regions civil wars. These political upheavals have caused many missionaries to leave the region suddenly, and the current number of protestant missionaries in some denominations is much smaller due to fear of its repeating.

Ivory Coast. Baptist Mid-Missions. 2015. Accessed June 15, 2015.

https://www.bmm.org/country/ivory-coast/

Côte d'Ivoire. SIM. 2015. Accessed June 16, 2015.

http://www.sim.org/index.php/country/ci

Ivory Coast. Baptist International Missions, Inc. 1997. Accessed June 16, 2015

http://www.bimi.org/countries/ivorycoast.php

Lewis, Martin. Religious Complexity in Ivory Coast. GeoCurrents. April 26, 2011. Accessed June 15, 2015

http://www.geocurrents.info/cultural-geography/religious-complexity-in-ivory-coast

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro. Sacred Destinations. 2015. Accessed June 16, 2015.

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ivory-coast/yamoussoukro-basilica-of-our-lady-of-peace

First Contacts

During the Roman times along the gold trade routs items made their way through Ivory Coast to Ghana and up to the north African coast. However, during this time it is unlikely many European traders ventured this deeply into Africa and instead preferred African merchants to transit this part for them. Even during the Arab invasions very few Arabs came along the Silk Road into Cote d’Ivoire. Those who did were Mediterranean traders and Islamic Clerics seeking converts. They were so far away the Ottoman and preceding Arab empires had limited yet long lasting affects on the area.

During the 1500’s when trade began to pick up substantially along the West African coast one Ivory Coast location stood out in importance - Abidjon’s  deep harbor. Cote d’Ivoire has few ports, so those that were navigable by Europe’s larger vessels grew into influential trade centers. Even with this deep harbor the Europeans settlements were first established in neighboring Ghana and only later in Cote d’Ivoire. During this time the pulling of trade from Ivory Coast to Ghana began.

The first Europeans to visit the coast were naturally the Portuguese as they sailed along and mapped the entire coastline. Limited trade might have been established at this point; however few if any outposts were established permanently within the Ivory Coast Region. During the 1500s Dutch and French ships traded on occasion in the region, however they still preferred the more plenteous harbors of Ghana. In 1657 the French Catholics started their first mission along the coast. The missions and eventual French trade inland spread the colonial influence and French language through the region. It was not until the mid 1800s that treaties were signed with local kings establishing French as the official head of the nation. Ivory Coast was a valuable territory to the French, however the cost of both World War I and II motivated them to place French loyal leaders in place and grant independence in 1960 on August 7th.

Compared to many neighboring nations Cote d’Ivoire experience many decades of peace and prosperity due to a stable government. Today many of the new comers are immigrant workers from other African nations seeking the higher pay and more readily available food and water resources.

Arrival of the Europeans, and History. Ivory Coast Table of Contents. Accessed June 10th 2015.

http://countrystudies.us/ivory-coast/5.htm

http://countrystudies.us/ivory-coast/3.htm

Logran & Fraise. The Coming of Age in the Ivory Coast. Ethics of Development in a Global Environment. July 29th, 1999. Accessed June 9th 2015.

http://web.stanford.edu/class/e297c/war_peace/africa/hage.html

Cote d’Ivoire. SIM. 2015. Accessed June 9th, 2015

http://www.sim.org/index.php/country/ci

Hill, Margari. The Spread of Islam in West Africa: Containment, Mixing, and Reform from the Eighth to the Twentieth Century. Stanford Univercity. January 2009. Accessed June 8th, 2015

http://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/the_spread_of_islam_in_west_africa_containment_mixing_and_reform_from_the_eighth_to_the_twentieth_century

Handloff, Robert. The West Sudanic Empires. Cote d”ivoire/Ivory Coast: a Country Study. 1988. Accessed June 9th 2015

http://www.shsu.edu/~his_ncp/WestSu

Economics

Some of my early college course work involved economics. Though I took it with the intention of studying business, it really opened my eyes to why certain things in history happened the way they did. Cote d'Ivoire has a rich economic history utilizing its natural resources, peoples skills, and international trade.



The primary industry in Ivory Coast is agriculture. This would be the oldest industry in the region as the ancestors were hunters and gatherers. As time went by cattle and poultry were domesticated and plants selected to grow. Along the rivers and the oceans coast fish are still harvested. 3 out of every 5 Ivoirian's work in the agriculture field. Local plants like yams, grains like maze and rice and vegetables help feed the nation. Though the jungle is much depleted, there is still a logging industry which fuels local wood crafts as well as the making of farm implements. The primary national crop is cocoa.

http://www.commodityonline.com/news/

Cote d’Ivoire is the world’s largest cocoa grower. Cocoa is the main ingredient in our beloved chocolate, has seen unprecedented increase in demand particularly in China and South East Asia as their middle classes have grown. The cocoa industry has been rocked in the past by its sensitivity to server weather patterns and the civil and political unrest which have affected Cote d’Ivoire off and on since 1999. Interestingly, the cocoa plant is not indigenous to Africa, but was brought over by traders from South America and the Caribbean much like the potatoes of Ireland.

http://foodmuseum.typepad.com/food_museum_blog/food__politics/

Before cocoa was king the Slave trade took its tool upon the people. The primary slave trade routs pulled directly through Ivory Coast to Ghana to the new world. Before that during the time or the Arab invasions they pulled north east wards through the desserts. Later as European colonization took place plantations were built  many Africans were enslaved in the region itself. There is still a presence of slave and forced child labor within Cote d’Ivoire which corrupt government officials have turned a blind eye to.

Another major trade rout of the region was the Gold trade rout. During the hay day of the industry gold was traded to Rome and Egypt and beyond. And lest we forget the name of the land, Ivory! The great African Elephants lent their tusks to the royal halls and yester year. Unfortunately, the African Elephants population is depleted to the point where it is not healthy for the population to be harvested even for artistic and religious purposes.

https://animalonstamps.wordpress.com/category/ivory-coast/


Ivory Coast cocoa returning


Anonymous, Ivory Coast cocoa returning. Edmonton Journal. April 14th 2011.Postmedia Network. April 14th. 2011. Accessed June 2, 2015


www.liberty.edu.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/862262262?accountid=12085


Ivory Coast Cocoa Crop. New York Times (1923-Current file) 16 Sep 1985. Accessed June 3rd, 2015


http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/111234945/pageviewPDF/3BEE9ED91E5B410FPQ/1?accountid=12085


Kindersle, Dorling. Fincial Times World Desk Reference- Ivory coast. 2011. Accessed June 2nd , 2015


http://www.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://literati.credoreference.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/content/entry/dkwdr/ivory_coast/0


Antiquities Department United Nations. The Central Slave and Ivory Trade Route. © UNESCO World Heritage Centre 1992-2015. Accessed June 3rd, 2015


http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/2095/


Ivory Coast. (2008). In Philip's world factbook 2008-2009. London, United Kingdom: Philip's. Accessed June 2nd, 2015


http://www.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://literati.credoreference.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/content/entry/philipswfb/ivory_coast/0

Reader, John. A Biography of the Continent Africa. 1997. Vintage Books.

Religion

The religious make up of Cote d’Ivoire is predominately native religions, Christianity, and Islam. However, other religious groups are present in small numbers. Every statistic I saw for division of religious groups within Ivory Coast produced different numbers thus I have opted to omit any set statistics. Some feel that the statics are flawed in part to religious minorities being afraid to admit their religious affiliation to poll takers.

 Hinduism has seen a surge in Western Africa in recent years. According to Desh Kapoor, many Africans see Hinduism as consistent with the pagan beliefs, yet appealing due to foreign sense and brightness of the idols.  Another thing that many African converts to Hinduism have found appealing is that there have not been any significant missionary efforts. This means people have come to the religion on their own accord instead seeing outsiders imposing their belief system upon the region which is significant after the centuries of Islamic and Christian mission efforts in the region.

Other religions have significantly small presence such as Behia, Buddhism.

The African grown religions are predominately pagan in nature. As many villages and people groups are present are as many religious views are espoused within the local religions. This has led many westerners to call them local cults, however many view calling the local religions cults as derogatory. Significant within the local religions are animal sacrifices, sacred dances and music.

http://multiculturalbusiness.wikifoundry.com/page/Religion+and+Social+Beliefs+In+Ivory+Coast

About a thousand years ago Muslim invaders occupied much of this region of Africa. They left behind their religious practices which have been passed down to what is thought to be about a quarter of the population of Cote d’Ivoire. The followers of Islam tend to dress conservatively, practice the seven pillars like other Muslims from around the world. Some segments of Islamic followers with Cote d’Ivoire have experienced persecution at the hands of Christians and followers of local religions due to their being religious minorities.

http://www.placesonline.com/africa/ivory_coast/travel_guide.asp

Though churches were built for traders and foreign dignitaries during the period of European exploitation, it was not until the 1800s that Christian mission efforts true began within the region. While some regions were very enthusiastic to explore and embrace Christianity, many others view it with suspicion to this day due to the nations experiences with European traders. When my grandparents Ronald Gene and Bette Burrows served in Cote d’Ivoire as medical missionaries they were well liked by the locals. However, many would accept medical treatment with gratitude but not consider converting due to their tight local religions.

 

http://www.acn-aed-ca.org/category/ivory-coast/

Kapoor, Dash. Hinduism growing in Africa without Proselytizing. September 28, 2013. Accessed May 26, 2015

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/2013/09/hinduism-growing-in-africa-without-proselytizing/

Buddhanet’s World Buddest Directory. Ivory Coast. 1992 - 2015, Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc / BuddhaNet. Accessed May 25, 2015

http://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/country.php?country_id=31

Lewis, Martin. Religious Complexity in Ivory Coast. April 26, 2011. Accessed May 26, 2015

http://www.geocurrents.info/cultural-geography/religious-complexity-in-ivory-coast

Backes, Reinhard. Ivory Coast- Promoting Reconciliation.  Aid to the Churches in Need. October 6^th, 2014. Accessed May 26^th, 2015

http://www.acn-aed-ca.org/category/ivory-coast/

Money Money Money

The currency of a nation is always an interesting view into the countries culture and history.

The currency of Cote d'Ivore is the franc, naturally from the french.


As I spoke of in the last post the thousand franc note shows the carving of ceremonial masks. Also many of the various notes show women, symbol of strength in their community and fertility.


Another common symbol on the currency are African elephants- paying homage to their name. This thousand franc coin also pays homage to archaeological research and the modern elephants mammoth ancestor.


This collection is cool because it depicts on the right side wild life of the region and on the left both the ceremonial mask as well as key industries and infrastructures.

African Banknotes:West African CFA Francs Banknotes Set. December 16th 2013. Accessed May 25th 2015.
http://africanbanknotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/west-african-cfa-francs-banknotes-set.html

Funny Ivory Coast Currency
www.thechive.com

Ivory Coast 1000 Franc note
www.banknotes.com

Arts

My grandparents- Ronald Gene and Bette Burrows spent their last mission years of service in Cote d'Ivore. My grandmother spoke of going to villages where they were warmly welcomed and showered with gifts. Almost always they would break out in song in the dialect local to their region. When singing was done in French it often was to do with Christian themes.

 As we learned in the class lecture, the songs of West Africa often depict stories and the history of the region. Unfortunately my grandparents did not learn much of the 78 local dialects so they were unable to fully appreciate the music. My grandmother said of attending church in Ivory Coast that there was nothing like the music listen to their rich African voices sing praise to God.  In the villages they visited however the locals would bring out their large drums; they would dance for hours, and wears masks. 

Though my grandparents did display a mask on their mission display in churches, they chose to not display one in their house due to the pagan implications. The masks of Ivory Coast are considered their primary form of art. They are believed to depict spirit and the dance and song melded with wearing the mask is believed to communicate and influence the spirits. Many of these masks are ornate and breathe taking, carved from local timbers and made out of one piece of wood. One of the primary gifts they would bestow upon my grandfather was the title of Chief for the day. And an African chieftain must be gowned appropriately. My grandparents brought back about a dozen chieftain gowns which had been gifted to them from various villages and in appreciation for their medical work. The textiles are strong, beautiful, and many lovely details were all woven in by hand. Of the grandchildren I have the honor of display one of these on my bedroom wall, a constant reminder of my Grandparents legacy and the African people of Cote d’Ivore.

Bibliography

There are so many resources available on the art and culture of Ivory Coast, these are only a few I looked into but thought might be interesting to share.

On the masks of Ivory Coast

Our Africa. Arts and Crafts. Accessed May 19, 2015

http://www.our-africa.org/ivory-coast/arts-and-crafts

Lotus Masks. The Ivory Coast & West African masks. 2015. Accessed May 18, 2015

http://www.lotusmasks.com/category/african-ivory-coast-masks.html

Music

Our Africa. Local Music. Accessed May 19, 2015

http://www.our-africa.org/ivory-coast/local-music

Kakou, Gem. Louanges adorations HD "Louez l'Eternel". November 7, 2016. Accessed May 18, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mG9ovBsTcs&list=PL357A91D8E5D13E4E

LionofIsrael. Meiway - Awane - ivory coast bete music. March 10^th, 2013. Accessed May 20, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJFPlx246MY

General

Africa Guide. Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) People and Culture. 2015. Acessed May 19^th2015

http://www.africaguide.com/country/ivoryc/culture.htm

A lil more info

According to Google the coordinates for Yamoussoukro the capital city are 6.8167° N, 5.2833° W

And Abijan the largest city 5.3167° N, 4.0333° W

The current population is approximately 25 million people.

As my initial post noted, the lack of harbors affected the history by pulling trade through middle men in Ghana for much of the regions history.

Famous Wonders lists the Ivory Coasts as a good place to visit for its tropics and diversity in natural landscape from flat lands to mountainous regions.

The regions long history of political and religious conflict has left much of the nation in poverty and lacking basic medical and daily necessities. Though efforts have been made by Christian missionaries for many decades, these needs persist.

Coco beans which are used to produce our beloved chocolate were brought to the region from the West Indies. It is not now one of the nations top exports.

Ivory Coast History and Politics. Our Africa. Accessed May 14, 2015

http://www.our-africa.org/ivory-coast/history-politics

Shelly, Fred. Nation Shapes: The Story behind the World's Borders. Copyright 2013 ABC-CLIO, LLC

Ivory Coast. Famous Wonders. Copyright 2011. Accessed May 14, 2015

http://famouswonders.com/africa/ivory-coast/

Ivory Coast aka Cote d'Ivoire

The Republic of Cote d'Ivoire lies on the western coast of Africa. The nation is covered in jungle or African wet and is host to a rich history and culture. 

Not a huge nation geographically, it covers less than 125 thousands miles, yet this is more than substantial enough to support  major cities like Abijan which is the largest and Yamoussoukro the capital city. 

Cote d'Ivoire received its name of its profitable trade of ivory. Going back to before the Roman republic trade was established along the coast bringing ivory from African elephants, gold, spices, and slaves. The earliest known inhabitants are lost to history, only the trade from their land remembered. Records indicate that between 1000 to 1500 years ago Islamic traders established themselves in the region. Neighboring Ghana played a strong influence as inhabitants spread through the region in the 1600s.

Europeans did not reconnect closely with Cote d’Ivoire until the 1800s due to lack of good harbors. This trade led to some devastating consequences. Fred Shelly said in his book Nation Shapes: the Story Behind the Worlds Boarders that there was vast over hunting of elephants and slave trade first pulled resources through Ghana and eventually came directly into the territory as resources were drained. To this day despite great conservation efforts the African Elephant in this region of Africa has gone from plenteous to endangered. Many of the enslaved, if they survived the trip to the ports and ship ride made their way to rice, sugar, and cotton plantations in the New World.

The French succeeded in controlling the nation, giving its French name and most used language. Through politics the citizens became independent on August 7^th 1960. This was due a large to the service and sacrifice of over 40 thousand soldiers from Cote d’Ivoire who served in the French army during World War 2.

"Ivory Coast - PRE-EUROPEAN PERIOD." Ivory Coast - PRE-EUROPEAN PERIOD. Accessed May 15, 2015. http://countrystudies.us/ivory-coast/4.htm.

Ivory Coast History and Politics. Our Africa. Accessed May 14, 2015

http://www.our-africa.org/ivory-coast/history-politics

Shelly, Fred. Nation Shapes: The Story behind the World's Borders. Copyright 2013 ABC-CLIO, LLC

Côte d’Ivoire gains independence from France. South African History Online. Accessed May 14, 2015.

 http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/c%C3%A3%C2%83%C3%A2%C2%B4te-d%C3%A3%C2%A2%C3%A2%C2%82%C2%AC%C3%A2%C2%84%C2%A2ivoire-gains-independence-france