Côte d'Ivoire, or the Ivory Coast, is a country located in West Africa that borders the Gulf of Guinea. It is known for being the world's largest producer of cocoa beans, as well as for its vibrant cultural heritage. The country is home to over 25 million people, with the majority of the population being of African descent. The official language of Côte d'Ivoire is French, although local languages such as Baoulé, Dioula, and Anyin are also spoken. Côte d'Ivoire has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times. The country was first colonized by the French in the late 19th century and gained independence in 1960. Since then, it has experienced periods of political instability, including a civil war that lasted from 2002 to 2011. Despite these challenges, Côte d'Ivoire has continued to develop its economy, which is largely driven by agriculture, including the production of coffee, cocoa, and palm oil. The country has also made progress in areas such as education and healthcare, although poverty and inequality persist in many parts of the country.