Dedicated to cocoa completely and accurately

Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is located on the southern coast of West Africa. The cocoa trade makes up one-third of Cote d'Ivoire’s economy, is the world's largest producer / exporter of cocoa beans, and provides 43 percent of the world’s cocoa beans. With over 600,000 cocoa farms it is the largest source for cocoa in the world. Its capital is Yamoussoukro. It’s slightly larger than New Mexico with a population of just over 20 million. French is the official language and has 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken. The economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for cocoa. Since 2006, oil and gas production have become more important economic activity than cocoa. According to IMF statistics, earnings from oil and refined products were $1.3 billion in 2006, cocoa-related revenues were $1 billion during the same period.
Background:

• Independence from France – August 7th 1960

• In December 1999, a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history - overthrew the government.

• Junta leader Robert GUEI rigged elections held in late 2000 and declared himself the winner.

• October 26, 2000 – Laurent Gbagbo became president

• Popular protest forced him to step aside and brought Laurent Gbagbo into power.

• Members of the military launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002. • Rebel forces claimed the northern half of the country.

• President Gbagbo and rebel forces resume for peace in December 2003 (no resolution)

• In March 2007 President Gbagbo and former New Force rebel leader Guillaume Soro signed the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.

• Soro joined GBAGBO's government as Prime Minister and the two agreed to reunite the country

• French and UN troops remain in Cote d'Ivoire to help the parties implement their commitments and to support the peace process.