Why visit
Yamoussoukro is Côte d'Ivoire's political capital, famous for the enormous Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, broad avenues, and a planned-city feel. Most visitors pair it with Abidjan or Grand-Bassam.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Yamoussoukro is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Côte d'Ivoire. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Yamoussoukro, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Côte d'Ivoire better matches the trip style.
Yamoussoukro at a glance
City population
276k
Elevation
214 m
702 ft
Time zone
UTC+0
Africa/Abidjan
Airport
BYK
Bouaké Airport (105 km away)
Côte d'Ivoire at a glance
Country center
8.0°, -5.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
322,463 km²
124,504 mi²
Country population
29.3 million
91/km²
Subregion
Western Africa
Currency
West African CFA franc (Fr)
XOF
Dial
+225
Language
French
Demonym
Ivorian
Internet
.ci
UN
Member state
ISO code
CI / CIV
Where in the world
8.0° - -5.0°
Côte d'Ivoire
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Yamoussoukro is famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the largest church buildings in the world.
- The city became Cote d'Ivoire's political capital in 1983, although Abidjan remains the larger commercial center.
- President Houphouet-Boigny kept sacred crocodiles in the lake beside his presidential palace.
- Côte d'Ivoire is the world's largest cocoa producer (~45% of global supply).
- The country has two capitals: Yamoussoukro (political, since 1983) and Abidjan (economic).
Bordering Côte d'Ivoire
Traveler notes
- The basilica is one of the world's largest church buildings
- The city was shaped by former president Félix Houphouët-Boigny
- Abidjan remains the country's commercial and cultural engine
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Yamoussoukro
What currency is used in Yamoussoukro?
Yamoussoukro uses the West African CFA franc (Fr), ISO code XOF.
What languages are spoken in Côte d'Ivoire?
The primary language is French.
What is the international calling code for Côte d'Ivoire?
The calling code is +225.
When is the best time to visit Yamoussoukro?
Nov–Mar. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Yamoussoukro?
Bouaké Airport (105 km away) (IATA: BYK).
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