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Population
The Ivory Coast has about 27 million inhabitants (as of 2024). The population is very young and growing rapidly, with most people living in urban areas such as Abidjan, which serves as the economic hub of the country.
Capital
The political capital of the Ivory Coast is Yamoussoukro, while Abidjan is the largest city and the economic center of the country.
Economic Power
The Ivory Coast has one of the strongest economies in West Africa, largely driven by agriculture. The country is a world leader in cocoa exports and a major exporter of coffee and cashew nuts. The GDP per capita is about USD 2,500 (as of 2023). The economy is diversified, with growing sectors in energy, construction, and services.
Culture
The culture of the Ivory Coast is diverse and influenced by over 60 ethnic groups, including the Akan, Baoulé, and Senufo. The Ivorian music scene is famous for genres like Coupé-Décalé and Reggae. Traditional festivals, mask dances, and handicrafts are important cultural expressions, and the country has a rich history in sculpture and textiles.
Currency
The official currency of the Ivory Coast is the CFA franc (XOF), used by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).
Health Insurance and Social Security System
The Ivory Coast has a social security system covering pensions, health, work accidents, and maternity insurance. However, access to healthcare is often unevenly distributed, and many people use private health insurance for better services.
Costs for Employers
Employers in the Ivory Coast must contribute about 16% of gross wages to social security. These contributions cover pensions and health insurance, among other things. Additional employer costs may arise from benefits like transportation or housing allowances.
Salaries and Bonuses
Salaries in the Ivory Coast vary greatly depending on the industry, qualifications, and experience. The legal minimum wage is about 60,000 XOF per month (as of 2023). Bonuses and additional benefits are typically performance-based and may be contractually regulated.
Payroll
Payroll in the Ivory Coast includes the basic salary, various allowances, bonuses, and statutory deductions for taxes and social security contributions.
Public Holidays
The Ivory Coast has several public holidays, including:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Labor Day (May 1)
- Independence Day (August 7)
- All Saints’ Day (November 1)
- Christmas (December 25)
- Various religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Easter.
Working Hours
Regular working hours in the Ivory Coast are 40 hours per week, spread over five working days. Most companies work from Monday to Friday, with Saturday often being a half or full day off.
Vacation
Employees are entitled to at least 26 working days of paid annual leave, with entitlements increasing with the length of service. There are also additional leave days for special occasions such as weddings or births.
Incapacity for Work
In the event of illness, employees are entitled to sick leave, which is covered by social security. The specific regulations depend on the type of employment contract and legal provisions.
- Termination/Severance Pay
Notice periods and severance pay regulations in the Ivory Coast depend on the length of employment and contractual terms.