📖 About Yamoussoukro

Yamoussoukro is the political capital of Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), designated in 1983 though Abidjan remains the economic center. With approximately 360,000 residents, this planned city is famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace—the largest church in the world, modeled on St. Peter's in Rome.

President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who ruled from independence until 1993, was born here and lavished his hometown with monumental buildings. Yamoussoukro represents African ambition—grand architecture, political symbolism, and one man's vision for his nation.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Government administration is officially centered here though many functions remain in Abidjan. Education institutions employ residents. Some commerce and services exist. Agriculture in surrounding areas produces yams and other crops. The economy has not developed as planned.

Baoulé culture predominates—French is official. Christianity and Islam coexist with traditional beliefs. The basilica draws pilgrims. Music includes Ivorian styles. Food features Ivorian cuisine. The culture values tradition, faith, and the legacy of Houphouët-Boigny.

📜 History

A small Baoulé village, Yamoussoukro was the birthplace of Félix Houphouët-Boigny. After independence (1960), he began developing his hometown. Capital status came in 1983.

The basilica was completed in 1989. Houphouët-Boigny died in 1993. Civil wars later affected the country but spared Yamoussoukro. Today the city stands—monumental basilica, political capital, and monument to one leader's grand vision.