Cote D'Ivoire Overview Country Overview Côte d’Ivoire borders Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana. The southern and western parts of the country feature undulating countryside rising to meet the savannah plains of the north and the mountainous western border. Major rivers flow into a series of lagoons. Abidjan, former capital and the largest city, is dominated by the Plateau, the central commercial district. The older, more traditional heart of the city is Treichville, home of many bars, restaurants and nightclubs as well as the colourful central market. In the west of the country is the attractive town of Man, situated in a region of forested mountains and plateaux. The nearby waterfalls are very popular tourist excursions. The administrative capital is Yamoussoukro, about 230km (143 miles) north of Abidjan. The town has a lively market and an international-standard golf course. Traditional dishes are kedjenou (chicken cooked with different vegetables and sealed in banana leaves) and attieké (cassava dish). For nightlife, Abidjan is the liveliest area with its hotels and lagoon-side tourist resorts. General Information Area: 322,462 sq km (124,503 sq miles). Population: 16,393,221 (official estimate 2001). Population Density: 50.8 per sq km. Capital: Yamoussoukro (administrative and political capital since 1983). Population: 531,600 (official estimate 2000). Abidjan (former capital). Population: 3,894,300 (official estimate 2000). GEOGRAPHY: Côte d’Ivoire shares borders with Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana. There are 600km (370 miles) of coast on the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean). The southern and western parts of the country are forested, with undulating countryside rising to meet the savannah plains of the north and the mountainous western border. Three rivers, the Sassandra, the Bandama and the Comoé, run directly north–south and, on their approach to the coast, flow into a series of lagoons. Birdlife is plentiful throughout the country, but particularly so near the coast. Government: Republic. Gained independence from France in 1960. In 1999, the army took power and installed a National Council for Public Salvation. Head of State: President Laurent Gbago since 2000. Head of Government: Prime Minister Seydou Diarra since 2003. Language: The official language is French. The main African languages are Yacouba, Senoufo, Baoulé, Betie, Attie, Agni and Dioula (the market language). Religion: 39 per cent Muslim, 26 per cent Christian, 17 per cent traditional beliefs. Time: GMT. Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard. Communications:  International telecommunications are available in major towns/centres. Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 225. Outgoing international code: 00. Mobile telephone GSM 900 network. Network operators include Orange Côte D’Ivoire (website: www.ivoiris.ci) and Loteny Telecom (website: www.telecel.net). Internet ISPs include Aviso, Africa On Line and Globeaccess. Public access is available at Internet cafes in Abidjan. Fax Facilities are available at some major hotels, but are not yet widespread. Post Airmail to Europe takes up to two weeks. Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1200 and 1430-1800. Press All newspapers are in French. The main dailies include Fraternité Matin, Ivoir Soir and Le Jour. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 17.83 15.40 11.77 7.160 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.58 11.98 6.035 0.909 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes Yes Yes Australian Yes Yes Yes Canadian Yes Yes Yes USA Yes Yes Yes OtherEU Yes Yes Yes Japanese Yes Yes Yes PASSPORTS: Passports valid for six months after intended length of stay required by all except nationals of Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Togo holding national ID cards. VISAS: Required by all except the following: (a) nationals of other ECOWAS countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Congo (Rep), Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo) for stays of up to three months; (b) nationals of Andorra, Chad, Monaco, Morocco, Seychelles, Tunisia and Vatican City for stays of up to three months; (c) transit passengers leaving on the same or first connecting flight within 12 hours provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Types of visa and cost: Prices vary according to nationality. Prices given are for UK nationals. Tourist, Business and Transit: £35 (single-entry); £45 (multiple-entry). Validity: Three months. Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Application requirements: Tourism: (a) Valid passport. (b) One application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Evidence of hotel booking or faxed letter of invitation from Côte d’Ivoire resident. (e) Return ticket or travel itinerary. (f) Stamped, self-addressed, registered envelope for return of passport (if applying by post). (g) Fee. Business: (a)-(g) and (h) Fax from home company confirming financial responsibility for the applicant and an invitation letter faxed from Côte d’Ivoire. Note: (a) A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over one year of age. (b) In addition to a valid visa, nationals of the following countries need an authorisation from the Ministry of Security, and should obtain it in plenty of time: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cambodia, Chile, China (PR), Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, Jordan, Korea (Dem Rep), Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Vietnam and Yemen. Working days required: Two to three. Money Currency: CFA (Communauté Financiaire Africaine) Franc (CFAfr) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFAfr10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFAfr250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Côte d’Ivoire is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro. Currency exchange: Currency can be exchanged at the airport as well as at main banks and hotels. Credit & debit cards: American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted; Visa and Diners Club have more limited use. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available. Travellers cheques: These are accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops. Currency restrictions: The import of local currency is unlimited. The export of local currency is limited to amounts up to the value of CFAfr10,000. The import of all foreign currency other than Euros must be declared. The export of foreign currency is limited to amounts up to the equivalent of CFAfr25,000 or the amount imported and declared on arrival. There is no restriction on the re-export of unused travellers cheques and letters of credit. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the CFA Franc against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 1035.90 1025.70 1038.27 966.15 $1.00= 710.84 674.41 656.55 606.78 Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1500. Duty Free The following goods may be imported into Côte d’Ivoire by passengers over 15 years of age without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco or 100 cigarillos; 1 bottle of wine; 1 bottle of spirits; 0.5l of toilet water and 0.25l of perfume. Restricted items: Duty must be paid on video cameras, which may be imported for personal use only. A deposit must be paid on entry and is refundable on departure. Limits are placed on certain other personal effects; contact the Consulate prior to departure. Public Holidays Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Feb 12 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 14 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). May 29 Ascension. Jun 9 Whit Monday. Aug 7 Independence Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 24 Lailat al Miraj (Ascent of the Prophet). Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 9 Day of Mourning. Nov 15 Peace Day. Nov 26-28 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 7 Félix Houphouët-Boigny Remembrance Day. Dec 25 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Feb 2 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 2 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). May 20 Ascension. May 31 Whit Monday. Aug 7 Independence Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 12 Lailat al Miraj (Ascent of the Prophet). Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 9 Day of Mourning. Nov 14-16 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Nov 15 Peace Day. Dec 7 Félix Houphouët-Boigny Remembrance Day. Dec 25 Christmas. Note: (a) Holidays that fall on a Sunday are often observed on the following day. (b) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to ten days, depending on the region. For more information see the World of Islam appendix. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever Yes 1 Cholera Yes 2 Typhoid and Polio 3 N/A Malaria 4 N/A 1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from all countries. 2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Côte d’Ivoire. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix for more information. 3: Immunisation against typhoid is usually advised. 4: Malaria risk (and risk of other insect-borne diseases) exists throughout the year in the whole country, including urban areas. The malignant falciparum form is prevalent. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. A weekly dose of mefloquine is the recommended prophylaxis. Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic and hepatitis A and E are widespread. Meningitis risk is present depending on area visited and time of year. Sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) is reported. There is a high incidence of HIV/Aids. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix. Health care: Health care facilities in the main towns are up to international standards; medical insurance is essential. Travel - International Note: Travellers are currently advised against all travel to Côte d’Ivoire. For further advice they should contact their local government travel advice department. AIR: Airlines serving Côte d’Ivoire include Air Afrique, Air France, Egyptair, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM and Air Burkina. Côte d’Ivoire has a shareholding in Air Afrique. Approximate flight times: From Abidjan to London is 6 hours, to New York is 12 hours. International airports: Abidjan (ABJ) (Félix Houphouët-Boigny) is 16km (10 miles) (website: www.aeria.ci) southeast of Abidjan (travel time – 25 minutes). Buses, taxis and coaches are available to the city. Airport facilities include duty-free shop (24 hours), restaurant, shops, banks/bureaux de change, post office and car hire (Avis). Yamoussoukro (ASK) (San Pedro) has been upgraded to international standard. Departure tax: CFAfr3000 for African destinations and CFAfr5000 for all other departures. SEA: There are no regular passenger sailings but cargo liners provide limited accommodation for passengers travelling from Europe. RAIL: There are two through trains with sleeping and restaurant cars from Abidjan to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) daily (travel time – 25-27 hours). Those intending to travel should be aware that the Burkina Faso rail network is under constant threat of closure because of financial difficulties, check with the appropriate authorities before finalising arrangements. ROAD: There are road links of varying quality from Kumasi (Ghana) and from Burkina Faso, Guinea and Liberia and Mali. Borders close at night. Bus: Frequent services operate to Accra (Ghana) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). There is a service approximately once a week to Bamako (Mali); the journey can be very long (36-96 hours). Bush taxis also operate on these routes. Travel - Internal AIR: Air Ivoire (VU) operates regular internal flights from Abidjan to all major towns. Departure tax: CFAfr800. RAIL: The Abidjan–Ouagadougou railway is one of the most efficient in Africa and runs trains daily from Abidjan to Bouaké and Ferkessédougou. Children under four years of age travel free. Children aged between four and nine pay half fare. ROAD: Côte d’Ivoire has a good road system by West African standards, with 68,000km (42,250 miles) of roads, 5600km (3480 miles) of which are surfaced. Petrol stations are frequent except in the north. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: Small private buses and bush taxis operate throughout the country; they are comfortable and efficient. There are also larger coaches for the longer journeys. Taxi: These are available in main cities. Car hire: Cars may be hired in Abidjan, main towns and at the airport. Documentation: Insurance is compulsory for the driver, as is an International Driving Permit. URBAN: Extensive bus and boat services are operated in Abidjan by SOTRA on a two-tiered fare structure. Taxis are usually red and metered; rates are doubled from 0000-0600. TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Abidjan to other major towns in the Côte d’Ivoire.   Air Rail Abengourou 0.35 - Agboville - 2.00 Bondoukou 1.20 - Bouaké 1.20 6.00 Bouna 1.20 - Boundiali 2.35 - Daloa 1.00 - Dimbokro - 4.00 Gagnoa 0.50 - Guiglo 2.15 - Korhogo 1.30 - Man 0.50 - Odienne 2.20 - San Pedro 1.00 - Sassandra 0.45 - Seguela 1.20 - Tabou 1.20 - Touba 1.00 - Yamoussoukro 0.30 - Accommodation Hotels and restaurants are expensive in the larger towns. There are several hotels of international standard in Abidjan. In general, there is a choice between luxury, medium-range and cheaper accommodation in the larger towns. In all cases it is advisable to book in advance. For further information, contact the Office Ivoirien du Tourisme et de l’Hôtellerie (see Contact Addresses section). Grading: Hotels are graded from 1 to 5 stars. Introduction YAMOUSSOUKRO: The new administrative and political capital is Yamoussoukro, about 230km (143 miles) north of Abidjan. The town has a lively market, an international-standard golf course and several buildings of architectural interest, including the Palace and Plantations of the President and the Mosque. Also of architectural interest but, above all, of statistical interest, is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix. Fractionally smaller than St Peter’s in Rome, it incorporates a greater area of stained glass than the total area of stained glass in France. Roman Catholicism is a minority religion in Côte d’Ivoire (some say that the Cathedral could accommodate every Roman Catholic in the country several times over). Yamoussoukro was the birthplace of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who was Côte d’Ivoire’s President for 33 years. The cathedral was paid for almost entirely out of his own pocket. ELSEWHERE: The former capital and largest city, Abidjan is dominated by the Plâteau, the central commercial district. The older, more traditional heart of the city is Treichville, home of many bars, restaurants and nightclubs as well as the colourful central market. There is a very good museum, the Ifon Museum. Suburbs have grown up along the banks of the lagoon; these include Cocody, Marcory and Adjamé. About 100km (60 miles) east of the former capital is the beach resort of Assouinde; other places being developed as tourist attractions include Tiagba, a stilt town; Grand Bassam, whose sandy beaches make the place a favourite weekend retreat for the inhabitants of Abidjan; and Bondoukou, one of the oldest settlements in the country. In the west of the country is the attractive town of Man, situated in a region of thickly forested mountains and plateaux. The nearby waterfalls are a popular attraction, as are climbs to the peak of Mount Tonkoui and visits to the villages of Biankouma and Gouessesso, 55km (34 miles) away. Other towns of interest include Korhogo, the main city of the north and centre of a good fishing and hunting district; the former capital of Bingerville; and the town of Bouaké in the centre of the country. Locally organised package tours include visits to one of the country’s national parks, including the Comoé in the northeast and the Banco National Park, 3000 hectares of equatorial forest. Sport & Activities Watersports: There are many swimming pools in main centres and hotels, particularly in Abidjan and the surrounding coastal resorts. All along this stretch of coast there is a dangerous deep current and all but the strongest swimmers should stay near the shore. Local advice should be taken. There is good coastal and river fishing. Red carp, barracuda, mullet and sole can all be caught from the shores of the lagoons. Sea trips can be organised through travel agencies to catch sharks, swordfish, bonito and marlin. Boats and instructors are available in Abidjan, where water-skiing facilities are also available. Wildlife: The national parks are largely inaccessible for visitors without their own vehicles. Local guides are necessary and easily available. The largest and oldest national park is Comoë National Park, where lions, waterbucks, hippopotami and other animals can be observed. A landing strip nearby facilitates access. Hiking: Although much of Côte d’Ivoire has been deforested, there is good hiking in the west near Man (nicknamed the ‘city of 18 mountains’). A guide is necessary for longer walks. Other: Most major centres have a golf course. In Abidjan there is a course at the Hôtel Ivoire on the Riviera. Many hotels have tennis courts. Social Profile Food & Drink: Abidjan and other centres have restaurants serving French, Italian, Caribbean, Lebanese and Vietnamese food. There is a growing number of African restaurants catering for foreigners. Traditional dishes are kedjenou (chicken cooked with different vegetables and sealed in banana leaves), n’voufou (mashed bananas or yam mixed with palm oil and served with aubergine sauce) and attieké (cassava dish). The best area for spicy African food is the Treichville district of Abidjan. The blue pages of the Abidjan telephone book have a special restaurant section. There are no restrictions on drinking. Nightlife: There are nightclubs in most major centres. Abidjan is the most lively area with its hotels and lagoon-side tourist resorts. There are also theatres, casinos and bars. Traditional entertainment is offered in some hotels. Shopping: In the markets, hard bargaining is often necessary to get prices down to reasonable levels. Special purchases include wax prints, Ghanaian kente cloth, indigo fabric and woven cloth, wooden statuettes and masks, bead necklaces, pottery and basketware. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1430-1830, Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900. Special Events: For a list of festivals and other special events to be held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2003 contact the Embassy, Consulate or the Office Ivoirien du Tourisme et de l’Hôtellerie (see Contact Addresses section). Social Conventions: One of the most striking features of Côte d’Ivoire, distinguishing it from many other African countries, is the extreme ethnic and linguistic variety. The size of each of the 60 groups – which include the Akar, Kron, Nzima, Hone, Voltaic and Malinke peoples – varies widely and the area they occupy may cover a whole region. With very few exceptions every Ivorian has a mother tongue which is that of the village, along with traditions, family and social relations within their ethnic group. French has become the official language of schools, cities and government and therefore has an influence on lifestyle even at a modest level. Handshaking is normal. Tropical lightweight clothes are essential, a light raincoat in the rainy season and a hat for the sun. Casual wear is widely acceptable but beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Ties need only be worn for formal occasions. Small tokens of appreciation, a souvenir from home or a business gift with the company logo are always welcome. Normal courtesies should be observed and it is considered polite to arrive punctually for social occasions. There are no restrictions on smoking. Snakes are regarded as sacred by some ethnic groups. Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants include a service charge in the bill; if not, 15 per cent is acceptable. Business Profile Economy: Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest producer of cocoa and among the largest producers of coffee. Other important cash crops include cotton, rubber, fruit and vegetables; a variety of vegetables are also produced for domestic consumption. The timber industry has declined from previous levels due to excessive exploitation, although the Government has now limited production in order to protect the remaining forests. A light industrial sector has grown up processing primary agricultural products and produces textiles, chemicals and sugar – again, these are aimed towards export markets. Newly discovered offshore oil and gas deposits will boost the country’s industrial sector as well as meeting the country’s future energy needs. Côte d’Ivoire already has an established oil refining operation which, along with cigarette manufacture, form the main components of the country’s industrial economy. It will also reduce Côte d’Ivoire reliance on imported fuel to supplement the hydroelectric installations that are its main source of power. A service sector is gradually developing, centred on tourism, financial services (exploiting the dominant role of the Abidjan stock exchange in the region) and telecommunications. Côte d’Ivoire is one of the more prosperous economies in West Africa, although its recent progress has been undermined by political instability. The country is a member of all the main regional economic organisations, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the various organs associated with the CFA Franc zone. Côte d’Ivoire’s main trading partner is France. Other important trading relations are maintained with the Netherlands, Nigeria, Germany and Italy. Business: French is predominantly used in business circles, although executives in larger businesses may speak English. Translators are generally available. Punctuality is expected, although the host may be late. Visiting cards are essential and given to each person met. It is usual for business visitors to be entertained by local hosts in a hotel or restaurant. Businessmen need only wear cotton safari suits. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1200 and 1430-1800, Sat 0800-1200. Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Côte d’Ivoire, 01 BP 1399, Six avenue Joseph Anoma, Abidjan 01 (tel: 2033 1600; fax: 2032 3942). Conferences/Conventions: In Abidjan, the Palais des Congrès which is part of the Inter-Continental Hotel can host conferences for more than 3000 persons. The political capital Yamoussoukro has a capacity for over 5000. For details, contact the Office Ivoirien du Tourisme et de l’Hôtellerie (see Contact Addresses section). Climate Dry from December to April, long rains from May to July, a short dry season from August to September, short rains in October and November. In the north the climate is more extreme – rains (May to October) and dry (November to April). Required clothing: Tropical lightweights; warmer clothing for evenings. History and Government History: During Medieval times, the region that is now Côte d’Ivoire was at the centre of several major African trade routes, linking the empires which then existed in Ghana and Mali. These were initially dominated by the Dioula people. As trade expanded, they came into contact with Malinke merchants who brought Islam to the region. The collapse of the Mali empire in the 16th century, followed by the Ashanti wars of the 17th century, produced several waves of migration into the forest regions of central and northern Côte d’Ivoire and the foundation of new kingdoms including the Anyi and Baule. In the savannah country of the south, the Kong held sway, notably through the dynasty founded by Sekou Ouattara in the early 18th century. The Kong empire was eventually conquered by the Muslim leader Samory Touré in 1897. European traders had been present in the region since the 15th century, but it was not until the 19th that the French undertook a determined penetration of the region. They gradually subjugated or formed alliances with the local ruling groups. The colonisation process was completed with the capture of Samory Touré within a year of his victory over the Kong. The territory was later incorporated into French West Africa until it was granted independence in August 1960. The leadership of the country was taken over by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, a quirkily effective politician who dominated the country’s political life for the next 30 years through his political party, the Parti Démocratique de la Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI). Houphouët-Boigny retained close links with the West – especially France but also apartheid South Africa. Houphouët-Boigny died in December 1993 and was replaced by the former speaker of the National Assembly, Henri Konan Bédié. Victory at the December 1995 presidential poll, and for the PDCI at the following month’s parliamentary elections pointed to a seamless succession. However, problems began with serious industrial unrest and, abroad, the highly unpopular military intervention in the Liberian civil war. Then in 1999, during the run-up to the presidential election scheduled for early 2000, the principal opposition candidate, Alassane Ouattara of the Rassemblement des Republicains (RDR), was banned from standing on technical grounds concerning his parents’ nationality. (The RDR draws its principal support from Muslims in the north of the country.) The military coup of December 1999, organised by General Robert Gueï, was a surprise. An ex-minister and Ouatarra ally, Gueï moved quickly to prevent intervention by the French for whom Côte d’Ivoire is a key strategic ally in the region. The new military regime established a broadly based government including leading figures from the army and the main political parties. International reaction was muted. Presidential elections were held in October 2000; the principal contenders were Gueï and Laurent Gbagbo, standing for the Front Populaire Ivoirien (FPI), whose main constituency is among Christians in the south. However, when Gueï tried to manipulate the result, he was confronted by a popular uprising which drove him into exile leaving Gbagbo as the legitimate winner. The RDR candidate, Ouattara, was once again blocked from standing, infuriating northern Muslims and sparking serious unrest. An attempted coup in January 2001 was successfully put down by the new Government, but pointed to the continuing volatility of the political situation. However, over the next 12 months, the government gradually managed to re-assert control over the country. Government: A new constitution was adopted in 2000 following the 1999 military coup under which the president, who holds executive power is elected for a five-year term. The legislature is the Assemblée Nationale (National Assembly) which has 225 members, also elected for a five-year term in single-seat constituencies. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.