Divo, Côte d’Ivoire

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Divo, Côte d’Ivoire

Region: Divo

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Geographic Coordinates: 5.833300, -5.366700

Climate: Tropical climate with two rainy seasons (April to July and October to November) and two dry seasons (December to March and August to September).

Population: 179455

Language: French

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Divo is a city located in the southwestern part of Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. It is the fourth-largest city in the country and serves as the capital of both Lôh-Djiboua region and Divo Department. The city has a population of approximately 200, 000 people who are predominantly from the Baoulé ethnic group. The economy of Divo is mainly based on agriculture, With cocoa being its main cash crop. Other crops grown in Divo include coffee, Rubber, Palm oil, And cotton. The city also has several small-scale industries that process these agricultural products.

Divo is known for its vibrant cultural heritage which includes traditional dances such as Zaouli and Goli. These dances are performed during festivals like Fête des ignames (Yam festival) which takes place every year in September or October to celebrate harvests. The city also boasts several tourist attractions such as Mount Nienokoue which offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and forests. Another popular attraction is Lake Buyo located about 40 km from Divo where visitors can engage in fishing activities or take boat rides.

Divo has a well-developed transportation system with two major highways connecting it to other parts of Côte d’Ivoire such as Abidjan (the economic capital), Yamoussoukro (the political capital), San-Pédro (a coastal town) among others. The city also has an airport that connects it to other cities within West Africa. Education is highly valued in Divo with several primary schools, Secondary schools, Vocational training centers and a university campus providing quality education to residents and students from surrounding towns. Divo offers tourists an opportunity to experience Ivorian culture while enjoying scenic views of nature at its best.

With its diverse economy anchored on agriculture coupled with efficient transport systems linking it to other parts of Côte d’Ivoire, Divo is a city worth visiting.

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• Divo, Côte d’Ivoire is primarily an agricultural region with a focus on:
1. Cocoa production
2. Coffee production
3. Rubber production
• Other industries include:
1. Palm oil processing
2. Timber production
3. Small-scale manufacturing of goods such as soap and clothing
• There are also some service industries such as:
1. Banking
2. Telecommunications

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Noteable History

1. The founding of Divo: The city was founded in 1912 as a French colonial outpost.
2. The cocoa boom: In the early 20th century, Divo became an important center for cocoa production which helped drive the economy of Côte d’Ivoire.
3. Felix Houphouet-Boigny: One of Côte d’Ivoire’s most famous politicians and its first president, Houphouet-Boigny was born near Divo in 1905.
4. The Ivorian Civil War: During the Ivorian civil war (2002-2007), Divo experienced violence and unrest.
5. Laurent Gbagbo: Another prominent Ivorian politician, Gbagbo was born near Divo in 1945.
6. Cultural festivals: Every year, Divo hosts several cultural festivals celebrating traditional music and dance from different regions of Côte d’Ivoire.
7. Agricultural research: The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has a research station near Divo where scientists work on developing new methods for sustainable agriculture in West Africa.

Overall, while not as well-known as some other cities in West Africa like Dakar or Lagos, Divo has played an important role in shaping the history and culture of Côte d’Ivoire over the past century.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Musée de Divo: A museum that showcases the culture and history of the region.
2. La Place des Martyrs: A monument dedicated to the people who fought for independence in Côte d’Ivoire.
3. La Mosquée de Divo: A beautiful mosque with intricate architecture and design.
4. Le Parc National du Mont Péko: A national park with stunning views of mountains and forests.
5. Les Cascades de la Comoé: Waterfalls located near Divo that offer a refreshing break from the heat.
6. Centre Culturel Jacques Aka-Anghui: An art center that promotes local artists and their work.
7. Le Marché de Divo: An open-air market where visitors can buy fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
8. L’Église Sainte Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus: A Catholic church known for its unique architecture and stained glass windows.
9. Le Pont Félix Houphouët-Boigny sur la Comoé : The bridge over the Comoé river is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty.
10. La Forêt Classée du Haut-Sassandra : Protected forest area located near Divo which is home to various flora & fauna species including primates such as chimpanzees.

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Cultural Events

1. Fête de la Musique (June 21st)
2. Abissa Festival (November)
3. Yam Festival (September/October)
4. Festival International des Masques et des Arts (December/January)
5. Fetes des Ignames (August)
6. Korhogo Festival of Masks
7. Bouake Carnival
8. Sanwi Kingdom’s Annual Celebrations

It is recommended to check with local authorities or tourism boards for updated information on cultural events and festivals in Divo or other regions of Côte d’Ivoire before planning a trip or attending any event due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures that may be in place at the time of your visit.

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Cuisine

• Attiéké: a traditional Ivorian dish made from grated and fermented cassava served with grilled chicken or fish.
• Bangui: a spicy soup made from palm nuts typically served with rice.
• Alloco: fried plantains that can be enjoyed as a side dish or snack.
• Grilled meat: beef, goat, and chicken are popular meats grilled over charcoal.
• Seafood: fresh fish such as tilapia and barracuda can be found at local markets and restaurants.

If you’re looking for dining options in Divo, some recommended restaurants include:

• Le Relais de l’Amitié and La Terrasse du Golf for French cuisine
• Chez Marius for Ivorian food
• Restaurant le Baobab for African dishes like couscous and tajine

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Parks and Recreation

1. Parc National du Banco: This national park is located approximately 20 km north of Abidjan and offers hiking trails through lush rainforest.
2. Stade Municipal de Divo: A public stadium where locals can watch or participate in various sports such as soccer and track & field.
3. La Plage de Grand-Bassam: A beautiful beach located about an hour’s drive from Divo where visitors can swim, sunbathe or enjoy water sports.
4. Centre Culturel Français de Divo: A cultural center that hosts exhibitions, concerts and other events throughout the year.
5. Jardin Botanique de Bingerville: Located approximately 30 km east of Abidjan, this botanical garden features a variety of plants from around West Africa.

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions or other reasons beyond our control some of these attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited access at this time.

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Leave Footprints In The Sand.

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