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Ivory Coast Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire, gained its independence from France in 1960. For more than 30 years the nation had a reputation as one of the most prosperous and stable countries in sub-Saharan* Africa. Many of its successes—and some of its difficulties—resulted from the strong leadership of its long-time president, Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY. His death in 1993 has been followed by economic troubles, ethnic rivalries, controversial leaders, and a popular desire for democracy. GEOGRAPHY AND ECONOMY Located on the southern coast of West Africa, Ivory Coast is almost completely flat, sloping gradually upward away from the sea....
