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Yamoussoukro

Capital of Ivory CoastAmong rolling hills and plains, Yamoussoukro lies inland in Ivory Coast, about 240 km north-west of Abidjan on the coast.

Why it's the capital

Abidjan stayed the capital after independence in 1960. In March 1983, President Félix Houphouët-Boigny made Yamoussoukro the political and administrative capital, because it was his birthplace.

Fun facts

  1. The village of N'Gokro was renamed after Queen Yamoussou, who ran it in 1929. The ending 'kro' means town in the Baoulé language.
  2. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1990, is one of the largest churches in the world.
  3. Its airport is one of only two in Africa that could take the Concorde, the supersonic passenger jet.

Finding it on the globe

Start at Abidjan on the coast of Ivory Coast and move about 240 km inland to the north-west.

Easy to mix up

Many players tap Abidjan, the largest city and the capital until 1983. Yamoussoukro is the official capital, but most government institutions and all foreign embassies are still in Abidjan.

Sources: Wikipedia: Yamoussoukro, Wikipedia: Abidjan