Ivory Coast’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 7. This is the national day of the Ivory Coast, and It serves to commemorate the country’s liberation from France. The day is marked by cultural activities, lively performances, parades, and other festivities. Being a public holiday in Ivory Coast, it is a work and school-free day.
History of Ivory Coast Independence Day
Ivory Coast Independence Day is an annual event that commemorates the Ivory Coast’s anniversary of independence Ivory Coast (officially the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire) is a country in West Africa that borders Guinea, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ghana. Before its colonization by France, most European contact with this part of West Africa was for trade in elephant ivory, which is how the region got its name.In 1843, the French first established a protectorate over a few kingdoms in the region. French explorers, missionaries, trading companies, and soldiers gradually extended the area under French control inland from the lagoon region until 1908 Ivory Coast had fully become a French colony.In 1946 with the establishment of the Fourth French Republic, the Ivory Coast became an overseas territory of France with its parliament and representation in the French national assembly. A turning point in relations with France was reached with the 1956 Overseas Reform Act (Loi cadre), which transferred several powers from Paris to elected territorial governments in French West Africa and also removed the remaining voting inequities. On December 4, 1958, the Ivory Coast became an autonomous republic within the French Community.On July 11, 1960, France consented to the Ivory Coast becoming a fully independent state. The Ivory Coast gained its independence on August 7, 1960, with Félix Houphouët-Boigny becoming the Ivory Coast’s first president. When Houphouët-Boigny became the first president, his government gave farmers better prices for their products to further stimulate production, which boosted significant immigration of workers from surrounding countries. Coffee production increased significantly, catapulting the Ivory Coast into third place in world output, behind Brazil and Colombia. By 1979, the country was the world’s leading producer of cocoa. There was significant growth that followed after their independence.
Ivory Coast Independence Day timeline
The French establish a protectorate over a few kingdoms on the Ivory Coast.
French control extends inland from the lagoon region to the entire country.
Ivory Coast develops into an autonomous republic within the French Community.
Ivory Coast gets its independence from the French government.
Ivory Coast Independence Day FAQs
When did Ivory Coast Gain Independence?
Ivory Coast gained Independence on December 4, 1958.
What is Ivory Coast famous for?
Ivory Coast, in West Africa, is known for its chocolate.
Who colonized the Ivory Coast?
France colonized Ivory Coast.
How to Observe Ivory Coast Independence Day
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Stream the Ivory Coast National Parade online
You can stream the annual event online. You can also engage in watching their other festivities and in doing so, learn more about their culture.
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Fly their national colors
The national flag of the Ivory coast has three stripes of colors, namely orange, white and green. Flying any of these colors is a good way to show support for Ivory Coast.
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Try preparing Ivory Coast traditional dishes
A popular dish in the Ivory Coast is ‘mafé,’ or sauce ‘d’arachide,’ which is meat in peanut sauce. Side dishes include fried or mashed plantains and ‘Attieke,’ grated and cooked cassava. You can try out any of their traditional recipes.
5 Interesting Facts About The Ivory Coast
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The world’s largest cocoa producer
In 2018, The Ivory Coast alone produced about 2,15 million metric tons of Cocoa beans.
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Ivory Coast has two capital cities
Yamoussoukro is the political capital, while Abidjan is its economic capital and the largest city.
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Ivory Coast has won gold Olympic medals
It won a silver medal in the men’s 400m race in 1984, and gold in Taekwondo in 2016.
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The name comes from the ivory trade
In the 15th—17th century, the region was known for the ivory trade.
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Ivory Coast has a St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral in Abidjan was built for $12 million.
Why Ivory Coast Independence Day is Important
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Celebrate the independence of Ivory Coast.
We celebrate Ivory Coast’s decision to be an independent nation. We also honor the journey they took on the path of independence.
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Learn about the people of Ivory Coast.
It is an opportunity for us to learn about the way of life of the people of the Ivory Coast. We get to know about the country’s economy, its system of government, and other aspects. {Support the people of Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast Independence Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 7 | Monday |
| 2024 | August 7 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | August 7 | Thursday |
| 2026 | August 7 | Friday |
| 2027 | August 7 | Saturday |
