Abidjan, Banking and Commerce Center of Ivory Coast

Abidjan is the fourth largest city in the Ivory Coast, a beautiful country west of Africa. But the country is now referred to as the Cote d’Ivoire (French for Ivory Coast). Abidjan is the former capital of Cote d’Ivoire and is now the de facto capital, meaning it is considered a capital but not ordained by law, as Yamoussoukro is now the official capital.

Abidjan is still the most populated city and is considered the economic capital of Cote d’Ivoire as it is the center for banking and commerce. Though in an African continent, majority of the Abidjan citizens are French speaking people, as the country was once under French rule. The beautiful city is situated on the Ebrie Lagoon which stands upon converging peninsulas and islands all connected by bridges.

For those looking for a cooler climate, Abidjan has abundant rainfall other than its two dry seasons. And when it’s the wet season, the degree of humidity reaches 80.

Abidjan is popular in West Africa for Le Plateau. It is the business center of Abidjan with gleaming skyscrapers that business travellers love to visit. There are several banks here and such skyscrapers are special because they are unusually seen in West Africa.

Other man made sights in Abidjan are the University of Abidjan and other technical colleges, and the national library. Its main tourist attractions include St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Cocody Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Parc du Banco rainforest reserve.

Abidjan is notable both for its urban and natural wonders. It’s something new to see in Africa other than the well-renowned safaris.