Can tourists visit mosques in Ivory Coast?

The exteriors of the mud mosques in the north can usually be seen freely. The interior is entered only after asking and outside prayer times: shoes off, shoulders and knees covered, women with a headscarf. Ask before photographing.

Where is the largest church in Ivory Coast?

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, 240 kilometres from Abidjan, is among the largest churches in the world and was consecrated in 1990. It can be visited with a guide, normally in French.

What are sacred groves?

Patches of forest that hold religious significance for a community, such as the sacred forest of Gbêpleu near Man. They are not attractions: you enter only with a local guide and after agreement in the village.

What should visitors know about Ramadan?

In Muslim areas less is eaten and drunk during the day and some restaurants change their hours. Do not eat conspicuously in the street. Visitors are not expected to fast.

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Religion in Ivory Coast: Islam, Christianity and tradition.

Q: What religions are practised in Ivory Coast?

Islam, Christianity and traditional religions exist side by side, often within the same family. The north is predominantly Muslim, the south predominantly Christian; traditional beliefs are present across the country, usually alongside Islam or Christianity.

Muslims, Christians and followers of traditional religions live side by side in Ivory Coast — often within the same family. The north is predominantly Muslim, the south predominantly Christian, and traditional beliefs are present across the whole country, usually alongside Islam or Christianity rather than instead of them. This page explains how that works day to day, which buildings you can visit, and what to be aware of as a visitor.

Mud mosque in the Sudanese style

Published figures vary widely

Figures on religious affiliation differ considerably depending on the source and the year of the survey. Muslims are usually given as the largest group, followed by the Christian denominations; a substantial part of the population practises traditional religions, frequently alongside Islam or Christianity. We therefore give no percentages and describe what is visible instead.

What you see day to day

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Questions we get asked

To the mosques and churches of the country.

The basilica in Yamoussoukro, the mud mosques of Kong and Bondoukou, the cathedral of St Paul in Abidjan — they are far apart. We plan the route with you, and our partners’ drivers know the roads.

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