Location of Ivory Coast (or “la Côte d’Ivoire”, in French). West Africa, surrounded by Liberia, Guinea. Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana. Geography : Area: 322,500 sq. km. (124,500 sq. mi.); slightly larger than New Mexico. Cities: The principal city is Abidjan (the economic capital) and the official capital is Yamoussoukro. The Ivory Coast is a land of great contrasts. In the major cities, there are high rise buildings, restaurants, large stores, and the very rich (driving Mercedes, etc.). On the other hand, there are thousands of run-down apartments and shacks in the same city, and also the very poor in many villages living in mud huts.

Temperature: The average temperature is from 90 -100 degrees. Three seasons - Warm and dry (November to March), Hot and dry (March to May), Hot and wet (June to October). Rainy season begins around April.

People: Nationality: Ivorian(s). Population: 18,373,060. Ethnic groups: More than 60. There are more than 5 million non-Ivorian Africans living in Cote d'Ivoire from surrounding countries. The non-African expatriate community includes roughly 14,000 French and possibly 130,000 Lebanese. Languages: French (official). 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken. There are some English speakers from other countries like Liberia and Ghana. Education: Years compulsory--school is not compulsory at this time. Attendance--57%. Literacy--50.9%. Health: Infant mortality rate--total: 85.71 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy--male: 46.62 years; female: 51.82 years Population below poverty line: 42% (2006 est.) Safety: Coup attempts in 2001 and 2002 escalated into a rebellion and crisis. The failed coup attempt split the country in two. Cote d'Ivoire remains divided, with rebels occupying the northern half of the country. On March 4, 2007, President Gbagbo and New Forces leader Guillaume Soro announced they had agreed to a peace agreement aimed at reunifying the country and holding new elections. The Ouagadougou Accord foresaw a new transitional government. Things are calm at this time.

Religions: According to the Internet (2001): Muslim 35%-40%, Indigenous 25%-40%, and Christian (Catholic, Protestant, and other denominations) 20%-30%. We know that although there are a number of evangelical churches, most are charismatic. The main religion in the village is traditional practices and idolatry, so many times this is carried over into their religion, even in the cities. On the whole, people are generally open to the Gospel. They are glad to receive a tract, and they especially love to get a Bible.

It is an exciting opportunity to serve the Lord on a foreign field. It is taking a few weeks to learn the lifestyle of missionaries and work alongside of them in their ministries. It is experiencing life in a different culture. It gives opportunities to make friends with Ivorian believers and those of other nationalities. It offers many occasions to present the Gospel to others who are open to hear.

God commanded us to GO into all the world – Mark 16:15. We have the challenge to share God’s Word with people who are lost, dying, and going to hell. It gives opportunities to use your gifts to help missionaries who are serving there. It is an encouragement to those to whom they minister.