COTE D'IVOIRE

[Guest]

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[Natasha]

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire (pronounced /ˌkoʊt divˈwɑːr/ ' in English, IPA: [kot diˈvwaʀ] in French), or Ivory Coast, officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire is a country in West Africa. The government officially discourages the use of the name Ivory Coast in English, preferring the French name Côte d'Ivoire to be used in all languages. It borders Liberia and Guinea to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, Ghana to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.

Côte d'Ivoire is a republic with a strong executive power personified in the President. Its de jure capital is Yamoussoukro and the official language is French. The country 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.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d'Ivoire

[Natasha]

Amnesty International Report 2007: Cote d'Ivoire

Attachment (Word document 3 pages): Amnesty International Report 2007: Cote d'Ivoire
http://www.amnesty.org/

[Natasha]

Art by Ebath N'Gbala

Photo 1: Femme Tranquile

Photo 2: Melodie

Photo 3: Ingratitude

http://www.africaserver.nl/kunstcultuur/kunstenaars/exh_page_uk.php3?zoekID=14

[Natasha]

Yamoussoukro

The District of Yamoussoukro is the official capital city of Côte d'Ivoire. A city of 200,659 inhabitants as of 2005, and located 240 kilometres (149 mi) north of Abidjan on rolling hills and plains, the municipality covers 3,500 km² (1,351.3 sq mi) and is coterminous with the department of the same name. The department and municipality are further split into four sub-prefectures: Attiégouakro, Didiévi, Tié- diékro and the Commune of Yamoussoukro, which contain 169 villages and hamlets.

History

Queen Yamousso, the niece of Kouassi N'Go, ran the village of N'Gokro in 1901 at the time of French colonization. The village then comprised 475 inhabitants, and was one of 129 Akoué villages.


After 1964, the President Félix Houphouët-Boigny made ambitious plans and started to build. One day in 1965, later called the Great Lesson of Yamoussoukro, he visited the plantations with the leaders of the county, inviting them to transpose to their own villages the efforts and agricultural achievements of the region. On July 21, 1977, Houphouët offered his plantations to the State.

In March 1983, Yamoussoukro became the political and administrative capital of Côte d'Ivoire. This marked the fourth movement of the country's capital city in just one century. Côte d'Ivoire's previous capital cities were Grand-Bassam (1893), Bingerville (1900), and Abidjan (1933). The majority of economic activity still takes place in Abidjan.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamoussoukro

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, also known as Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix de Yamoussoukro, is a Roman Catholic church in Yamoussoukro, the administrative capital of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Often ranked as the largest Christian church in the world, the basilica was constructed between 1985 and 1989 at a cost of $300 million, and was intentionally modeled after the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican City. The cornerstone was laid on August 10, 1985, and it was consecrated on September 10, 1990, by Pope John Paul II.

Contrary to popular belief, this particular basilica is not a cathedral. The nearby Cathedral of Saint Augustine is the principal place of worship and seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Yamoussoukro.

Guinness World Records lists it as the largest church in the world, having surpassed the previous recordholder, St. Peter's Basilica, upon completion. Our Lady of Peace has a greater surface, and a higher dome, than St. Peter's. However, it also includes a rectory and a villa (counted in the overall area), which are not strictly part of the church, and it can accommodate 18,000 worshippers, compared to 60,000 for St. Peter's.

The Basilica is administrated by Pallottines.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Our_Lady_of_Peace_of_Yamoussoukro

[Natasha]

Abidjan

Abidjan is the largest city and former capital of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). It is the commercial and banking center of Côte d'Ivoire as well as the de facto capital (Yamoussoukro is the official capital.) It is also the most populated city in French-speaking Western Africa. It stands in Ébrié Lagoon on several converging peninsulas and islands, connected by bridges.

According to an Ebrié legend, the name Abidjan (formerly Abijean) came from a misunderstanding. An old man, returning from his field with an armful of branches that he probably intended to use to repair the roof of his house, happened to encounter a lost European explorer who asked him the name of the nearest village. Unable to speak the white man's language, the old man believed he had been asked what he was doing there. Fleeing in terror from this unexpected encounter, the old man shouted: "tchan me bidjan" which in the Ebrié language means "I've just been cutting branches!" The white man took this to be the answer to his question and conscientiously noted the name "Abidjan".

After independence, in 1960, the old colonial cities became administrative and business centres, as well as the Presidential seat. The southern areas of Treichville, towards the international airport and the beaches, became the district for Europeans, and the middle class Abidjanians. It is here that the anti-French riots of November 2004 were concentrated. The Cocody district (famous for the movie Le Gentleman de Cocody by Jean Marais) which according to colonial urban planning was to be a vast indigenous district, instead became a smart district which contained the Presidential Residence, the French Embassy, the Ivory Hotel and since 2006, the largest US Embassy in Africa.

Abidjan now entered a long phase of economic boom and huge growth which would last until the 1980's, making it the "Paris of Africa". It's skyscraper studded skyline and fashionable shopping district became emblems of the stabillity and prosperity touted by the Houphouët-Boigny government and it's capital friendly pro-western policies. Abidjan was seen as an example of a possible West African prosperity.

Major industries include food processing, coffee, cocoa, lumber, automobile manufacturing, and the manufacture of textiles, chemicals, and soap. There is also a large oil refinery. Abidjan is also a large commercial sea port, forming a gateway for the industrial world to and from Western Africa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abidjan
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/cote-divoire/

[reb-mar]

Natasha,
Thank you once again for posting the information about all of the different countries.
           
                                 Rebecca 

[Natasha]

Thankyou Rebecca!

[Natasha]

Aloko (Fried Bananas)

Ingredients:

5 bananas
Oil

Procedure:

1. Cut the bananas lengthwise, then into little pieces.
2. Pour about 4 inches of oil into a saucepan and heat until boiling.
3. Place ½ of the sliced bananas into the oil.
4. Fry both sides until reddish-brown, then very carefully remove.
5. Fry the other ½, then remove.

Serve immediately alone, or with grilled fish.
Serves 4 to 6.

http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/C-te-d-Ivoire.html

[Natasha]

Cornmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

¾ cup margarine
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
1¼ cups flour
½ cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Procedure:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

1. In a mixing bowl, beat margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla and beat well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the margarine mixture and mix well.
5. Drop dough in spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Makes 3 dozen.

http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/C-te-d-Ivoire.html

[Natasha]

Chilled Avocado Soup

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
4 cups cold chicken or vegetable stock (2 14-ounce cans)
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 Tablespoon plain yogurt
2 dashes Tabasco sauce, or to taste
Salt and pepper
4 paper-thin lime slices, for garnish

Procedure:

1. Add the avocado flesh to a blender and puree.
2. Add the stock and continue blending until smooth.
3. Blend in the lime juice, yogurt, Tabasco sauce, and salt and pepper.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

When ready to serve, spoon into bowls and top each with a thin slice of lime.

Serves 4.

http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/C-te-d-Ivoire.html

[Natasha]

Calalou (Vegetable Stew)

Ingredients:

Cooking oil
2 to 3 pounds meat (red meat, poultry, or fish), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 pounds greens (traditionally cassava leaves, taro leaves, sorrel leaves; substitute mustard greens or spinach), stems removed and cleaned (note that taro greens must be boiled for a short time, then rinsed)
2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup dried shrimp
Garlic, minced (optional)
Salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper, to taste
1 onion, finely chopped

Procedure:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot.
2. Fry the meat and onion until the meat is browned.
3. Add all the remaining ingredients and enough water to partially cover them.
4. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer on a very low heat for 2 or more hours.

Serve with rice.

Serves 6 to 8.

http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/C-te-d-Ivoire.html

[Natasha]

Avocado with Groundnut Dressing

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocados (should feel soft when ripe)
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 Tablespoons peanuts, shelled
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Cayenne, to taste
Salt, to taste

Procedure:

1. Peel the avocados and cut out the pit.
2. Cut the avocados into cubes.
3. Sprinkle with lemon juice and set aside.
4. Grind the peanuts roughly with a rolling pin or in a grinder for a few seconds.
5. Mix the peanuts and spices well and sprinkle over avocados.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serves 4.

http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/C-te-d-Ivoire.html

[Natasha]

Kedjenou (Seasoned Meat and Vegetable Sauce)

Ingredients:

2 chickens, cut into pieces
3 large onions, chopped
6 tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 piece ginger root, peeled
1 clove of garlic, crushed
1 bay leaf
Salt, to taste
Hot red pepper, to taste

Procedure:

1. Place the chicken, onion, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and bay leaf in a heavy casserole dish.
2. Season with the salt and pepper.
3. Cover with a thick, tight-fitting lid that will not let any steam escape.
4. Put the casserole on medium to high heat.
5. When the ingredients start to simmer, turn the heat down to medium to low.
6. Remove the casserole from the heat and without removing the lid, shake the casserole well to stir up the contents so that it cooks evenly.
7. Repeat this procedure every 5 minutes for 35 to 40 minutes.
8. Place the contents of the casserole on a warm platter and serve with rice.

Serves 8.

http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/C-te-d-Ivoire.html

[Claus-Peter]

In the 15th century, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore the Ivory Coast of Africa.

 During the 17th and 18th centuries the French established coastal settlements and began a long relationship that would change the culture, and for that matter, the economic future (and name) of this African nation.

 Even after declaring independence in 1960, Cote d'Ivoire retained close economic (export/import) ties with France, and became one of the most prosperous African countries.

 Over the centuries it suffered through very little political turmoil, but recently, a few poorly-timed military coups and subsequent internal conflicts increased its national debt, and dramatically curtailed its once profitable tourism industry.

 Long famed for its coastal scenery, beautiful national parks and abundant wildlife, Cote d'Ivoire is, or was, a true slice of African culture, once visited by travelers from around the world.

Its modern difficulties are sadly endemic on much of the African continent, as it, like many other countries, suffers from internal unrest, financial instability, low literacy levels and serious health care problems.

Facts and Figures

 Official Name Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire, formerly the Ivory Coast.

 Population 17,654,843

 Capital City Yamoussoukro (190,000)

 Largest Cities Abidjan, Bouaké, Daloa, Yamoussoukro, Korhogo

 Currency CFA Franc

  Latitude/Longitude 5º33' N, 4º03' W

 Languages French (official), and local dialects

 National Day 7 August; Independence Day

 Religions Christian, Muslim, others

Land

 Land Area 320,763 sq km (123.847 sq miles)

 Landforms Most of Cote d'Ivoire (north to south) is a forested plateau, one that gradually slopes down to the Atlantic Ocean coastal areas. Exceptions are the edges of the Guinea Highlands (4000 - 5000 ft. peaks) on its western border with Guinea, and in the far northwest, and the elevated savanna and forest of the northeast.

 Major rivers drain the plateau, including the Bandama, Komoe and Sassandra. Large lakes include Loc de Ebire and Loc de Kossou.

 Highest Pt. Mt. Nimba (1,752 m) (5,748 ft)

 Lowest Pt. Gulf of Guinea (0 m) (0 ft)

 Land Divisions 58 departments; including Abengourou, Abidjan, Aboisso, Adiake, Adzope, Agboville, Agnibilekrou, Alepe, Bocanda, Bangolo, Beoumi, Biankouma, Bondoukou, Bongouanou, Bouafle, Bouake, Bouna, Boundiali, Dabakala, Dabou, Daloa, Danane, Daoukro, Dimbokro, Divo, Duekoue, Ferkessedougou, Gagnoa, Grand-Bassam, Grand-Lahou, Guiglo, Issia, Jacqueville, Katiola, Korhogo, Lakota, Man, Mankono, Mbahiakro, Odienne, Oume, Sakassou, San-Pedro, Sassandra, Seguela, Sinfra, Soubre, Tabou, Tanda, Tiebissou, Tingrela, Tiassale, Touba, Toulepleu, Toumodi, Vavoua, Yamoussoukro and Zuenoula