Côte d’Ivoire Independence Day 2023: On August 7, Côte d’Ivoire commemorates its Independence Day. It commemorates Côte d’Ivoire’s 1960 independence from France. The Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire in French and officially as the Republic of the Ivory Coast, is located on the southern coast of West Africa.
Its political capital is Yamoussoukro, located in the country’s centre, while Abidjan, located on the coast, is its largest city and economic hub. It is bordered by Guinea to the northwest, Liberia to the west, Mali to the northwest, Burkina Faso to the northeast, Ghana to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean) to the south. In Côte d’Ivoire, 78 distinct languages are spoken, with French being the official language.
CTE D’IVOIRE INDEPENDENCE HISTORY DAY
Before the colonial era, the majority of European contact with this region of West Africa was related to the ivory trade, hence the region’s name. In 1843 and 1844, the French established the first protectorate over several kingdoms in the region.
France took control of what is now the Ivory Coast in 1893, and the new colonial masters wasted no time exploiting the abundant national resources and forcing the indigenous population to work on plantations from which they profited.
Ivory Coast entered the Federation of French West Africa at the turn of the twentieth century. Nonetheless, this did not improve their standing. As a reward for their service to France during World conflict II, all of French West Africa was granted French citizenship after the conflict.
1946 saw the establishment of the Ivory Coast as a French overseas territory, complete with its own parliament and representation in the French National Assembly. In 1958, the Ivory Coast became an independent republic with self-government within the French Community. On July 11, 1960, France consented to the complete independence of the Ivory Coast. Therefore, Ivory Coast achieved independence on August 7, 1960.
Felix Houphouet Boigny was elected president of the new republic and remained in office for 33 years until his death in 1993, shielding Ivory Coast from the turmoil of regime transition that characterised the years following independence for the other ex-French states.
On Independence Day, the capital city of Yamoussoukro hosts military and other parades, as well as many activities sponsored by municipal governments, private celebrations, and occasionally political street protests.
Côte d’Ivoire Independence Day 2023: FACTS
- The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest cathedral in the world, with an exterior area of 30,000 square metres.
- Drogba, who was born in Abidjan and represented his country 104 times, is arguably best known for his dominance at Chelsea Football Club in England.
- Côte d’Ivoire is the French variant, while Ivory Coast is the English version.
- In contrast to other nations, Côte d’Ivoire has two official capitals: Yamoussoukro and Abidjan.
- Côte d’Ivoire was the first African republic and the first non-English speaking country to win an Academy Award.
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WHY CTE D’IVOIRE’S DAY OF INDEPENDENCE IS IMPORTANT
Independence conflicts are protracted and difficult, and the people must endure the consequences of colonisation. This day commemorates the trials and eventual triumphs of achieving independence.
What better time to commemorate Côte d’Ivoire’s culture than on its independence day? It is a wonderful chance to learn more about Côte d’Ivoire.
Côte d’Ivoire has a rich history that should be investigated. The Ivory Coast’s culture is multifaceted and vibrant as a result of the country’s location and ethnic diversity.
