Ivory Coast
The Culture of Ivory Coast
The People
The official language of Ivory Coast is French but many people also speak Dyula. The population is 17.3 million. Ivorians are reliable, capable and considerate. People wear boubous which are embroidered robes worn over pants or a skirt.
Lifestyle
Malnutrition is widespread among women and children because they get the smallest portions. Soccer and dame are popular activities for men. Popular music is reggae, African pop, and French and U.S rap. Independence day is August 7.
Society
The current president is Laurent Gbagbo. Girls are kept out of school or only allowed to attend primary school. One third of the population is below the poverty line. 10 percent of the population has HIV/AIDS.
Customs and courtesies
Friends nod, shake hands or exchange kisses on the cheek. At formal ceremonies, people may give kola nuts (pictured below). Ivorians only eat with their right hand. Instead of drinking water during the meal, the people drink after the meal.