World Happiness Report for Ivory Coast 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Ivory Coast: 96
- Happiness Score Ivory Coast:5.080
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Ivory Coast. CI.
Ivory Coast is a country located in West Africa. Its political structure is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. Notable cultural aspects include a rich diversity of ethnic groups, languages, and traditional music and dance. Economically, Ivory Coast is one of the largest producers of cocoa in the world.
- Did you know that Ivory Coast was once a French colony and gained independence in 1960?
- The country’s official language is French, but there are over 60 indigenous languages spoken as well.
- Ivory Coast has a diverse and rich cultural heritage, including traditional masks, textiles, and cuisine.
Ivory Coast – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History
The region that is now known as Ivory Coast has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The area was initially inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Akan, Kru, and Mandé peoples. These early settlements were largely decentralized and organized around small villages and chiefdoms.
Kingdoms and Empires
Several powerful kingdoms and empires emerged in the region, including the Ghana Empire (c. 700-1200 AD), the Mali Empire (c. 1200-1600 AD), and the Songhai Empire (c. 1464-1591). These empires controlled vast territories and facilitated trade across West Africa, contributing to the region’s cultural and economic development.
Colonial Period
The colonial era in Ivory Coast began in the late 19th century when the country became a French protectorate in 1843. France gradually expanded its control over the region, and in 1893, Ivory Coast was officially declared a French colony. The colonial period was marked by the exploitation of natural resources, the imposition of French culture, and the suppression of local traditions and customs.
Independence and Modern Era
Ivory Coast gained independence from France on August 7, 1960, under the leadership of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who became the country’s first president. The early post-independence years were relatively stable and prosperous, with Ivory Coast emerging as one of the most economically successful nations in West Africa. However, political unrest, coups, and civil wars have plagued the country in recent decades, leading to significant instability and social upheaval.
Current Political Situation
Ivory Coast is a unitary semi-presidential republic, with a multi-party system. The current president is Alassane Ouattara, who was re-elected in 2020. The country has faced numerous political challenges, including electoral disputes, ethnic tensions, and ongoing insecurity in certain regions.
International Relations
Ivory Coast has had strained relations with neighboring countries due to border disputes and political instability. However, the country is a member of various regional and international organizations, including the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations.
Human Development and Economy
Ivory Coast has a diverse economy, with agriculture, mining, and the service sector being major contributors. The country is the world’s largest exporter of cocoa beans and a significant producer of coffee and palm oil. Despite its economic potential, Ivory Coast faces challenges related to poverty, inequality, and limited access to education and healthcare.
Cultural Highlights
Ivory Coast is a culturally diverse nation, with a rich tapestry of traditions and customs. The country is home to several ethnic groups, each with its unique language, art, music, and cuisine. Notable cultural contributions include the traditional masks, wood carvings, and vibrant music and dance forms.
Challenges and Opportunities
Ivory Coast faces significant challenges, including political instability, social tensions, economic inequality, and environmental degradation. However, the country also presents opportunities for growth and development, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and tourism. Addressing these challenges while capitalizing on its strengths will be crucial for Ivory Coast’s future progress.
Main facts
Location
The Ivory Coast is a country located in West Africa. It borders the North Atlantic Ocean and sits between Liberia and Ghana, with Burkina Faso and Mali to the north. The country’s southernmost region is situated along the Gulf of Guinea.
Map References
The Ivory Coast is located in West Africa, a region of the continent situated between the Sahara Desert and the Gulf of Guinea.
Area – Comparative
With a total area of 322,463 sq km, the Ivory Coast is slightly larger than the state of New Mexico in the United States.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
The Ivory Coast has a total land boundary length of 3,458 km, shared with Liberia (778 km), Burkina Faso (584 km), Mali (599 km), and Ghana (668 km).
Coastline
The Ivory Coast has a coastline stretching 515 km along the Gulf of Guinea in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Maritime Claims
The maritime claims of the Ivory Coast include a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.
Climate
The Ivory Coast has a tropical climate, with warm and humid conditions throughout the year. The southern coastal region experiences higher rainfall and humidity, while the northern region is drier and experiences greater temperature variations.
Terrain
The terrain of the Ivory Coast is mostly flat, with a coastal plains region that transitions into a plateau and rolling hills in the interior. The country’s highest elevations are found in the northwest, where the Guinean Highlands extend into the country.
Elevation Extremes
The lowest point in the Ivory Coast is the Gulf of Guinea at sea level, while the highest point is Mont Nimba, reaching an elevation of 1,752 meters (5,748 feet) in the northwest.
Natural Resources
The Ivory Coast is endowed with various natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, and copper.
Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in the Ivory Coast include the Sassandra, Bandama, Comoé, and Cavally rivers, as well as the Buyo and Bété lakes. The Sassandra River is shared with Liberia.
Natural Hazards
The Ivory Coast is susceptible to natural hazards such as coastal flooding, urban flooding during rainy seasons, and periodic droughts in the northern regions.
Geography – Notes
The Ivory Coast is one of the most prosperous countries in West Africa, thanks in part to its fertile soil and favorable climate for agriculture. However, environmental issues like deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution pose challenges to sustainable development.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 32.70%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 9,674. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 64.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 7.539989-5.54708.
- Capital: The capital of Ivory Coast is Yamoussoukro
- Major Cities:
- Abidjan – Population: 4,707,404
- Bouaké – Population: 775,300
- Daloa – Population: 268,094
- Korhogo – Population: 233,274
- Population: 25,716,544
- Area(Km2): 322463
- Population Density( P/Km²):83. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:225
- Official Language(s):Ivory Coast is French (official) (100%).
- Currency: XOF
Main Economic Indicators
Côte d’Ivoire, known as the Ivory Coast, is a middle-income economy driven by agriculture and services. Its GDP is one of the largest in the West African Economic and Monetary Union. The economy has faced challenges, including a military-political crisis from 2002 to 2011 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Key economic policies have focused on structural reforms, infrastructure development, and diversification.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 4.2%
2020: 2.4%
Source: International Monetary Fund
Credit Ratings
Moody’s: Ba3 (Stable Outlook)
Standard & Poor’s: B+ (Stable Outlook)
Fitch: B+ (Positive Outlook)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 19.8%
Industry: 25.6%
Services: 54.6%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Cocoa beans, bananas, palm oil, rubber, coconuts, coffee
Industrial Products: Petroleum and gas, construction materials, food processing, beverages, wood products
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 8.6 million (2020 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 62nd globally
Current Account Balance
2021: -$1.9 billion
2020: -$1.5 billion
Comparative Ranking: 138th globally (2021)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $14.1 billion (2021 estimate)
Key Partners: Netherlands, France, United States, Germany
Main Commodities: Cocoa, petroleum, rubber, coffee, cotton
Imports: $12.9 billion (2021 estimate)
Key Partners: China, France, Nigeria, United States
Main Commodities: Machinery and equipment, petroleum, rice, vehicles
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $8.5 billion (2021 estimate)
Gold Reserves: 3.4 tonnes (2021 estimate)
- GDP (Current US$):$58,792,205,642. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 11.80%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 50.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.93. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.36. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 3.32%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Ivorian(s)
Adjective: Ivorian
2. Ethnic Groups
Major Ethnic Groups:
– Akan (28.8%)
– Voltaiques or Gur (16.1%)
– Northern Mandes (14.8%)
– Krous (8.5%)
– Southern Mandes (6.9%)
– Others (25%)
3. Religions
Religious Affiliations:
– Muslim (42.9%)
– Christian (33.9%)
– Animist (3.6%)
– None (16.7%)
– Other/Unspecified (2.9%)
4. Age Structure
Distribution of Population:
– 0-14 years: 36.29%
– 15-64 years: 59.67%
– 65 years and over: 4.04%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 67.9
Youth Dependency Ratio: 61.4
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 6.5
6. Median Age
Median Age: 19.8 years
Male: 19.4 years
Female: 20.1 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 8.1% (2016)
Alcohol Consumption: 4.9 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2010)
Tobacco Use: 11.3% of adults (2015)
HIV/AIDS Prevalence: 2.6% (2019)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 57.4. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 43.6%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:35.74. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 4.65. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 38.4%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 13,176,900. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):36.00%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
- Armed Forces Size: 27000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.23
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 57.00%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.