Why did the French want the Ivory Coast?

Why did the French want the Ivory Coast?

Formal French colonial rule was introduced in the 1880s following the scramble for Africa. In 1904, Ivory Coast became part of French West Africa until 1960 when the country regained independence from France. Before the first military coup of 1999, Ivory Coast was a model of stability and good economic growth.

How did France impact the Ivory Coast?

The relationship between France and Ivory Coast has deep roots that were actually reinforced after independence: the “father of the Ivorian nation”, President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, transformed his country into an agricultural export power and the financial and services hub of West Africa through a close economic …

Is Cote d’Ivoire still a French colony?

Côte d’Ivoire became a French protectorate in 1883, a colony in 1889, and a territory of French West Africa in 1904. It gained full independence from France in 1960. In October of 2000, Laurent Gbagbo was democratically elected to a five-year term as Côte d’Ivoire’s president.

What is the culture of Ivory Coast?

Rich and diverse cultural heritage Ivory Coast has a rich cultural heritage with more than sixty ethnic groups, the Baoulé, the Bété, Gouro or the Dioula can be cited as exemples of ethnic groups found in the country. They can be divided into four main groups: Akan, Gour, Krou and Mandé.

What is Ivory Coast well known for?

For more than three decades after its independence from France, Ivory Coast was known for its religious and ethnic harmony, as well as its well-developed economy. The Western African country was hailed as a model of stability.

What is the most popular religion in the Ivory Coast?

Religion in Ivory Coast

• Christian (44%)
• Muslim (37.2%)
• Traditional faiths (10.5%)
• No religion (8.1%)
• Other religions (0.2%)

What is the percentage of Muslims in Cote d Ivoire?

42.9%