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CÔTe D'Ivoire
République de Côte d'Ivoire
Political Status: Independent since August 7, 1960; present constitution adopted October 31, 1960; under de facto one-party regime prior to legalization of opposition parties on May 30, 1990; constitution suspended and governmental authority assumed by the military following a bloodless coup on December 24, 1999; new constitution providing for a return to civilian government approved by national referendum on June 23–24, 2000.
Area: 124,503 sq. mi. (322,463 sq. km.).
Population: 20,683,319 (2012E—UN); 21,504,162 (2012E—U.S. Census).
Major Urban Center (2005E): Abidjan (4,100,000). In March 1983 the interior city of YAMOUSSOUKRO (484,000, 2005E) was designated as the nation's capital. However, as of mid-2010 most government offices remained in Abidjan (the former capital), and most foreign governments were also still maintaining their embassies there.
Official Language: French.
Monetary Unit: CFA ...