Yamoussoukro, Political capital in south-central Ivory Coast.
Yamoussoukro is the political capital in south-central Ivory Coast, spreading across wide boulevards and administrative districts in a relatively flat landscape. The city was built on a former village site and now includes modern government buildings, open green spaces, and several artificial lakes.
The former village of N'Gokro grew into a modern capital under President Felix Houphouet-Boigny and was officially declared the seat of government in 1983. The president ordered wide streets and public buildings to be constructed, transforming his birthplace into the political center of the country.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace draws pilgrims from across West Africa who attend services and walk through the surrounding gardens. The structure was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1990 and follows the design of St Peter's Basilica.
The city is best explored by car, as distances between sites often span several kilometers and public transport is limited. The international airport sits north of town and offers direct connections to Abidjan and other African cities.
Nile crocodiles live in the lake beside the Presidential Palace, and visitors can watch them from the shore as they rest in shallow water or bask in the sun. The animals are regularly fed by keepers, which has turned them into a local attraction.
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