Yamoussoukro
Yamoussoukro (/ˌjæmʊˈsuːkroʊ/; French pronunciation: [jamusukʁo], locally [jamsokʁo]) is the de jure capital of Ivory Coast and an autonomous district. As of the 2014 census, Yamoussoukro is the fifth most populous city in Ivory Coast with a population of 212,670. Located 240 kilometers (150 mi) north-west of Abidjan, the district of Yamoussoukro covers 2,075 square kilometers (801 sq mi) among rolling hills and plains.
Yamoussoukro | |
|---|---|
From top, left to right: Panoramic view of Yamoussoukro, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro International Airport, Route de Abidjan, and the Hotel des Parlementaires. | |
| Nickname: "Yakro" | |
| Motto(s): "Solidarité - Paix - Développement" "Solidarity - Peace - Development" | |
Yamoussoukro Location within Ivory Coast | |
| Coordinates: 06°48′58″N 05°16′27″W | |
| Country | Ivory Coast |
| District | Yamoussoukro |
| Department | Yamoussoukro Attiégouakro |
| Government | |
| • Governor | Augustin Abdoulaye Thiam Houphouët |
| • Lord Mayor | Gnrangbe Kouakou Kouadio Jean |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2,075 km2 (801 sq mi) |
| • Sub-Prefecture | 855 km2 (330 sq mi) |
| Population (2021 census) | |
| • Total | 422,072 (District) |
| • Density | 203/km2 (530/sq mi) |
| • Sub-Prefecture | 340,234 |
| • Sub-Prefecture density | 400/km2 (1,000/sq mi) |
| • City | 212,670 |
| (2014 census) | |
| Time zone | UTC |
| Website | www |
Yamoussoukro became the legal capital of the Ivory Coast in 1983, although the former capital Abidjan retains several political functions. Prior to 2011, what is now the district of Yamoussoukro was part of Lacs Region. The district was created in 2011 and is split into the departments of Attiégouakro and Yamoussoukro. In total, the district contains 169 settlements. Yamoussoukro is a sub-prefecture in Yamoussoukro Department and is also a commune: since 2012, the city of Yamoussoukro has been the sole commune in the autonomous district of Yamoussoukro.