In August 2006, toxic waste was brought to Abidjan on board a ship chartered by international corporation Trafigura. This waste was dumped in various locations and more than 100,000 people sought medical attention there were 15 reported deaths. Trafigura and the government of Cote d'Ivoire reached a settlement which precludes further legal action against the corporation. There is also a wave of violence across the country, linked to the disputes over the November 2010 elections.
Ivory Coast (aka the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire) covers 322,500 sq. km. Its principal cities are Abidjan (economic capital, de facto political capital) and Yamoussoukro (official capital). Population is about 20 million; of which 10%-20% are indigenous, 35%-40% Muslim and 25%-35% Christian; with more than 60 ethnic groups, usually classified into five principal divisions: Akan (east, centre and southeast), Krou (southwest), Southern Mande (west), Northern Mande (northwest), Senoufo/Lobi (north centre and northeast). There is a high population growth rate, a high crime rate (particularly in Abidjan), a high incidence of AIDS, a multiplicity of tribes, sporadic student unrest, a differential rate of in-country development according to region, and a dichotomy of religion associated with region and ethnic group.
