# Abidjan

> major city and economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire

**Wikidata**: [Q1515](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1515)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abidjan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abidjan

## Summary
Abidjan is the major city and economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, serving as a key economic hub in West Africa. Founded in 1898, it has grown into a large human settlement with a population of over 5 million, making it one of the most populous cities in the region. The city is known for its strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea and its role as a financial and commercial center.

## Key Facts
- **Area**: 2,119 square kilometers
- **Population**: 5,616,633 (2021)
- **Country**: Ivory Coast
- **Timezone**: UTC±00:00
- **Inception**: 1898
- **Earliest written record**: 1896
- **Capital of**: Lagunes region (1997–2011), Abidjan Department, Abidjan Autonomous District, and Ivory Coast (1960–1983)
- **Located in**: Abidjan Department (since 1969-06-09), Ivory Coast
- **Coordinates**: 5.3363888888889° N, 4.0266666666667° W
- **Elevation**: 18 meters above sea level
- **Official language**: French
- **Local dialing code**: 21
- **UN/LOCODE**: CIABJ
- **ISO 3166-2 code**: CI-AB
- **Member of**: World Tourism Cities Federation
- **Owner of**: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium
- **Located in or next to body of water**: Gulf of Guinea
- **Twinned with**: San Francisco (1986), Tianjin (1992-09-26), Marseille (1958-07-10), São Paulo (1981), Alfortville, Kumasi, Pontault-Combault, Boulogne-Billancourt, Viseu (2011-09-18), Liège (2013-03-26)
- **Language used**: Nzema, Ebrié, Abure
- **Demonyms**: Abidjanese, Abidjanais (masculine singular), Abidjanaise (feminine singular), абиджа́нец (masculine singular), абиджа́нцы (plural), Abidjanai (masculine plural)
- **Different from**: Andijan

## FAQs
- **What is the population of Abidjan?** As of 2021, Abidjan has a population of 5,616,633, making it one of the largest cities in West Africa.
- **When was Abidjan founded?** Abidjan was founded in 1898, with its earliest written record dating back to 1896.
- **What is the official language of Abidjan?** The official language of Abidjan is French.
- **What are some notable landmarks in Abidjan?** Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium is one of the notable landmarks owned by Abidjan.
- **What are some of Abidjan's twin cities?** Abidjan is twinned with San Francisco, Tianjin, Marseille, São Paulo, Alfortville, Kumasi, Pontault-Combault, Boulogne-Billancourt, Viseu, and Liège.
- **What is the timezone of Abidjan?** Abidjan operates on the UTC±00:00 timezone.
- **What is the elevation of Abidjan?** Abidjan is situated at an elevation of 18 meters above sea level.
- **What is the area of Abidjan?** Abidjan covers an area of 2,119 square kilometers.
- **What are some of the languages spoken in Abidjan?** In addition to French, Nzema, Ebrié, and Abure are spoken in Abidjan.
- **What is the demonym for people from Abidjan?** The demonym for people from Abidjan includes Abidjanese, Abidjanais (masculine singular), Abidjanaise (feminine singular), абиджа́нец (masculine singular), абиджа́нцы (plural), and Abidjanai (masculine plural).

## Why It Matters
Abidjan serves as a critical economic and political hub in Côte d'Ivoire, driving the country's financial and commercial activities. As the economic capital, it hosts key institutions and businesses, making it a focal point for trade and investment in West Africa. Its strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea further enhances its importance as a regional center. Additionally, Abidjan's cultural and linguistic diversity, with languages like Nzema, Ebrié, and Abure, reflects its rich heritage and community dynamics. The city's twinning relationships with global cities like San Francisco and Tianjin highlight its role in international cooperation and cultural exchange.

## Notable For
- Being the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire
- Hosting Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, a notable landmark
- Having a population exceeding 5 million, making it one of the largest cities in West Africa
- Serving as a key financial and commercial center in West Africa
- Being twinned with several major global cities, including San Francisco and Tianjin
- Having a rich linguistic diversity, including Nzema, Ebrié, and Abure
- Operating on the UTC±00:00 timezone
- Covering an area of 2,119 square kilometers
- Situated at an elevation of 18 meters above sea level
- Being a member of the World Tourism Cities Federation

## Body
### Geography and Location
Abidjan is situated in the Abidjan Department of Ivory Coast, with coordinates at 5.3363888888889° N, 4.0266666666667° W. The city covers an area of 2,119 square kilometers and is located at an elevation of 18 meters above sea level. It is positioned along the Gulf of Guinea, which contributes to its strategic importance as a port city.

### Population and Demographics
As of 2021, Abidjan has a population of 5,616,633, making it one of the most populous cities in West Africa. The city's demographic makeup includes diverse ethnic groups and languages, with Nzema, Ebrié, and Abure being among the local languages spoken. The official language is French, reflecting the country's colonial history.

### History and Establishment
Abidjan was founded in 1898, with its earliest written record dating back to 1896. The city has evolved from a colonial settlement into a major economic and political center. It served as the capital of Ivory Coast from 1960 to 1983 and has since maintained its status as a key regional hub.

### Economic and Political Role
Abidjan is the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, hosting numerous financial institutions and commercial activities. It is a major port city, facilitating trade and investment in West Africa. The city's strategic location and economic significance make it a focal point for regional development.

### Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Abidjan's cultural landscape is rich and diverse, with languages like Nzema, Ebrié, and Abure being widely spoken. The city's linguistic diversity reflects its multicultural heritage and community dynamics. French remains the official language, reflecting the country's colonial past.

### Twinning Relationships
Abidjan has established twinning relationships with several major cities worldwide, including San Francisco, Tianjin, Marseille, and São Paulo. These partnerships highlight the city's role in international cooperation and cultural exchange. The twinning with Viseu and Liège further underscores Abidjan's commitment to global connections.

### Landmarks and Infrastructure
Abidjan is home to notable landmarks such as Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, which serves as a key venue for sports and cultural events. The city's infrastructure includes a local dialing code of 21 and operates on the UTC±00:00 timezone, ensuring efficient communication and coordination.

### Memberships and Affiliations
Abidjan is a member of the World Tourism Cities Federation, reflecting its importance in the tourism sector. The city's affiliations with various international organizations contribute to its role as a regional and global player.

### Demonyms and Identity
The demonyms for people from Abidjan include Abidjanese, Abidjanais (masculine singular), Abidjanaise (feminine singular), абиджа́нец (masculine singular), абиджа́нцы (plural), and Abidjanai (masculine plural). These terms reflect the city's identity and cultural heritage.

### Unique Characteristics
Abidjan is distinct from other cities due to its status as the economic capital of Ivory Coast and its strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea. The city's rich linguistic diversity and twinning relationships further set it apart as a unique and influential urban center.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.goafricaonline.com/ci/articles/19-abidjan)
2. [Source](https://www.afrique-sur7.ci/486509-abidjan-capitale-cote-divoire)
3. [Encyclopædia Britannica Online](https://www.britannica.com/place/Abidjan)
4. [Source](https://ouestin.com/listes/2018/02/26/10-plus-grandes-villes-de-cote-d-ivoire/)
5. [Source](https://oewd.org/san-francisco-sister-cities)
6. [Source](https://news.abidjan.net/articles/476215/dechets-plastiques-mambe-veur-en-faire-un-mine-dor)
7. [Source](https://sf.gov/information/international-sector-businesses-development)
8. [Source](https://www.marseille.fr/sites/default/files/contenu/International/liste_des_villes_jumelees_avec_marseille.pdf)
9. [Source](https://www.cm-viseu.pt/index.php/diretorio/cidades-geminadas)
10. [Source](https://news.abidjan.net/articles/423996/cooperation-relations-cote-divoire-portugal-abidjan-et-la-ville-de-viseu-desormais-jumelees)
11. [Source](https://www.liege.be/fr/vie-communale/services-communaux/international/jumelages-et-partenaires/abidjan-cote-divoire)
12. BnF authorities
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. [Source](https://cn.wtcf.org.cn/citys/3496-2.html)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. MusicBrainz
17. [2025](http://ins.ci/RGPH2021/RGPH2021-RESULTATS%20GLOBAUX_VF.pdf)
18. [Source](http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf)
19. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
20. Q136327673. 2000
21. GeoNames
22. BBC Things
23. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ci.htm)
24. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)