Ivory Coast Learn the most important information about the destination country for your time in Ivory Coast here.
Experience Ivory Coast – a country full of cultural diversity, impressive nature, and vibrant cities. From beautiful beaches to lively markets, this West African country offers unforgettable impressions for explorers and connoisseurs alike.
Facts about Ivory Coast
Capital City
Yamoussoukro
Population
27.48 million
Surface Area
124,503.274 mi² or 322.462 km²
Continent
Africa
Official Language
French
Currency
CFA-Franc
How stable is the political situation in Ivory Coast?
- Stable government under President Alassane Ouattara for over a decade.
- Peaceful elections in recent years, but isolated tensions during election periods.
- Security situation in Abidjan and in the south is mostly calm, but there is an increased risk from terrorist groups in the north and in border regions with Mali and Burkina Faso.
- Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are restricted; political opposition is under pressure.
- Tip for expats: Choosing a safe place to live and work – e.g., Abidjan or other southern coastal cities – is crucial.
Ivory Coast – a fast-growing economy?
- Strong growth: Average GDP growth of 6–7% per year (2012–2025).
- Income distribution: Gini coefficient = 35.3 (100 = perfect equality; 0 = maximum inequality)
- Major industries: Cocoa (largest exporter worldwide), coffee, oil, gold, nickel, timber, offshore gas production.
- Good job opportunities in construction, agriculture, energy, logistics, and IT.
- Abidjan is a strong economic center—a modern financial hub with an international airport and ports.
- Costs: Cost of living significantly lower than in Europe, but Western lifestyle is more expensive.
- Tip for expats: English skills are helpful, but French is the official language and essential for everyday life and professional success.
Vaccination Status
Every traveller to Ivory Coast should have the standard vaccinations generally recommended for Germany, in particular an updated vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles and a basic immunization against poliomyelitis/polio. Depending on age and state of health, further recommendations may be made. You can find the STIKO's German vaccination calendar under Vaccinations.
Which other vaccinations are recommended for a trip depends on the type of trip and the destination and must be clarified in a consultation.
In addition, adequate protection against hepatitis A (jaundice) should be available for many travel destinations. If you have close contact with the local population, you should also be vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood, saliva and sexual contact, for example.
Living in the warmth? – Emigrating to the Ivory Coast
The climate of Ivory Coast is tropical and varies depending on the region:
- South (coastal region): Humid tropical with a long rainy season from May to July and a shorter one in September/October. Average temperatures around 25–30 °C.
- Center: Alternating between rainy and dry seasons, moderately hot.
- North: Dry tropical with a long dry season (November–April) and a rainy season (May–October). Higher temperatures of over 35 °C are possible.
- General: High humidity, warm all year round, differences mainly in rainfall distribution.
national holiday
Independence Day (France)
Diversity in Ivory Coast? – Religion, language, cuisine
- Religion: 39% Muslim (mainly in the north), 33% Christian (mainly in the south), 12% traditional religions such as the Akan faith.
- Languages: 77 languages and dialects; official language is French (often in simplified form). Commonly spoken: Baule, Dyula, Senufo languages, Yacouba, Anyi, Attie, Guere, Bete, Abe, Kulango, Mahu, Tagwana, Wobé, Lobi. Dioula is the most important language, spoken by 61% of the population, mainly in the north and as a trade language.
- Cuisine: staple foods such as rice, corn, manioc, yams, plantains; tropical fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, avocados, papayas). Protein sources mainly poultry, fish, and seafood from the Gulf of Guinea.
Why is Ivory Coast the world's largest producer of high-quality cocoa?
With around 40 % of global production, Côte d'Ivoire is the world's largest cocoa producer. Over two million tons of cocoa beans are harvested here every year, making agriculture the country's most important economic sector.
Millions of smallholder families live from cocoa cultivation, which is mainly carried out in the fertile regions in the south and west. In addition to harvesting, Côte d'Ivoire is increasingly exporting processed cocoa products in order to keep more value added in the country.
Internationally sought-after Ivorian cocoa is characterized by its high quality and intense aroma and is a key ingredient in chocolate production worldwide.
Emigrate to Ivory Coast - Entry Requirements
German citizens can enter the country with the following documents:
- Passport (regular): Yes – required for entry.
- Temporary passport: Yes – accepted.
- ID card: No – not valid for entry.
- Temporary ID card: No – also not valid.
- Child's passport: Yes – considered a valid travel document.
FAQ – What do I need to know about emigrating to Ivory Coast?
What vaccinations do I need for Ivory Coast?
Vaccination protection includes the standard vaccinations generally recommended in Germany. In addition, a yellow fever vaccination of nine months is mandatory for all persons entering the country and is medically advisable. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and poliomyelitis are also recommended. Vaccinations against dengue fever, hepatitis B, meningococcal ACWY, rabies and typhoid are also recommended depending on the individual's state of health. Vaccination against cholera is generally not necessary.
What language do they speak on the Ivory Coast?
The Ivory Coast has up to 77 different languages. French is one of them and is also the official language.
Welche Netzwerke und Communities für Expats in der Elfenbeinküste gibt es?
InterNations bietet eine lebendige Expat-Community in Abidjan, regelmäßige Events und ein Forum, in dem Sie andere Deutsche treffen, Erfahrungen austauschen und praktische Tipps für das Leben vor Ort erhalten
Wie kann ich mich vor Auswanderung über Sicherheitslage und Alltag informieren?
Es empfiehlt sich, aktuelle Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise von Botschaften sowie Plattformen wie „Perspektive Ausland“ zu prüfen. Zusätzlich hilft die Registrierung bei der Botschaft und der Kontakt zu deutschsprachigen Netzwerken vor Ort.
Was bietet der Relocation Service von DACHSER & KOLB für eine Auswanderung ins Land?
DACHSER & KOLB unterstützt sowohl Privatpersonen als auch Expats bei internationalen Umzügen — logistisch, organisatorisch und umfassend von der Planung bis zur Ankunft.
Wo finde ich Umzugsmaterial und Packhilfen für meinen Umzug in die Elfenbeinküste?
Im Umzugsshop von DACHSER & KOLB erhalten Sie hochwertige Umzugskartons, Verpackungsmaterialien und Zubehör für einen reibungslosen Umzug — online erhältlich
Are you interested in moving to Ivory Coast or another destination country?
Then do not hesitate and contact us today.
Alexander Brugger
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - AIR&SEA
