What does RCI mean in FRENCH

History

Côte d'Ivoire was inhabited by various groups of people prior to colonialism. Indigenous Akan people migrated into the region around 13th century AD and established small kingdoms that flourished until the French arrived in 1842 and created colonies of Ivory Coast — their name for the coastal regions along with what would eventually become Ghana and Togo - under their rule. After near 100 years of colonial rule, Ivory Coast gained its independence on August 7, 1960 with Félix Houphouët-Boigny as its first president. Since then it has been a republic known as République de Côte d'Ivoire, also known simply as RCI after its French name.

Political Geography

RCI encompasses 322 462 km2 (324 750 sq mi) comprising land area within five geographic regions - Bas-Sassandra, Lakhoua plateaux et islands du Bandama/Nzi, Sassandra-Marahoué/Comoé/Beré/Tchologo/Kabadougou, Woroba et Forestière - all identified by their distinct environmental characteristics. In addition to these five regions there are three autonomous districts (Grandes régions), which are Abidjan (capital district), Agneby-Tiassa & Lagune Districts as well as two major cities Bouafle & Korhogo.

People & Culture

Côte d' Ivoire has a population estimated at 25 million inhabitants composed of diverse ethnic groups including Akan people who make up about 42%, Voltaic 16%, Northern Mande 15%, Krous 11 %, Southeren Mande 8%, Gur 4%, Beteram 2%; plus smaller communities like Dan 1%, Baoulé 1% etc.. Ivorians identify themselves primarily through their respective ethnic language even though many speak French which is the official language throughout the country whereas traditional music such as zoblazo and coupé-décalé are popular among locals.

Economy

Ivory Coast had one of Africa's strongest economies prior to civil war in 2002 but despite this setback its economy bounced back relatively quickly thanks mainly due to increased foreign investment since 2005 particularly from China with investments exceeding US$3billion primarily directed towards urban infrastructure development including roads bridges housing units among others. The most significant sectors contributing to GDP are services industry 38 % agriculture 23 % public administration 17 % construction 9 % commerce 5 % finance 3 % manufacturing 3%. Thanks mainly due its petroleum reserves discovered recently Ivory Coast now ranks amongst top 10 oil exporters within Africa.