Which city is Côte d’Ivoire’s political capital?

Yamoussoukro is the political capital of Côte d’Ivoire. Abidjan remains the country’s largest city and its principal economic centre.

Yamoussoukro became Côte d’Ivoire’s official capital in 1983. The decision was closely associated with Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the country’s first president, who was born in the city and promoted its development.

The city is famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, a monumental Catholic church completed in 1989. Its design was inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and the building is one of Yamoussoukro’s most recognizable landmarks.

The distinction between political and economic capitals causes frequent confusion. Government institutions are associated with Yamoussoukro, while Abidjan continues to dominate business, population, transport, and international commercial life.