This document provides an overview of Ivory Coast, including its geography, history, government, economy, infrastructure, legal system, and demographics. Some key details are: - Ivory Coast is located in West Africa between Ghana and Liberia, with a total area of 322,460 sq km. - It has a population of around 17.1 million people and was a French colony until gaining independence in 1960. - The economy relies heavily on agriculture, especially cocoa and coffee exports, with GDP per capita of $856 US in 2004.

2.  Geography & HistoryGeography & History
 Political & Legal EnvironmentPolitical & Legal Environment
 Distribution of IncomeDistribution of Income
 Structure of EconomyStructure of Economy
 Population & CulturePopulation & Culture
 ReligionReligion
 InfrastructureInfrastructure
 Industry DescriptionIndustry Description
 Establishment & CustomersEstablishment & Customers

3.  Located in Western Africa, bordering the NorthLocated in Western Africa, bordering the North
Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and LiberiaAtlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia
 Total area of 322,460 sq kmTotal area of 322,460 sq km
 Largest CitiesLargest Cities
 AbidjanAbidjan
 BouakeBouake
 DaloaDaloa
 Climate: tropical along coastClimate: tropical along coast
 warm and dry (Nov to March)warm and dry (Nov to March)
 hot and dry (March to May)hot and dry (March to May)
 hot and wet (June to October)hot and wet (June to October)

4.  The early history of Ivory Coast is virtually unknown,The early history of Ivory Coast is virtually unknown,
although it is thought that a Neolithic culture existed there.although it is thought that a Neolithic culture existed there.
 18931893 - Ivory Coast made into a French colony.- Ivory Coast made into a French colony.
 19041904 - Ivory Coast becomes part of the French Federation of- Ivory Coast becomes part of the French Federation of
West Africa.West Africa.
 19581958 - Ivory Coast becomes a republic within the French- Ivory Coast becomes a republic within the French
Community.Community.
 19441944 - Felix Houphouet-Boigny, later to become Ivory Coast's- Felix Houphouet-Boigny, later to become Ivory Coast's
first presidentfirst president
 Type of Government: RepublicType of Government: Republic
 Independence: August 7, 1960Independence: August 7, 1960
 National Holiday: Independence DayNational Holiday: Independence Day

5.  Executive branchExecutive branch
 Headed by a president, head of stateHeaded by a president, head of state
 Elected for a 5 year termElected for a 5 year term
 Commander in chief of the armed forcesCommander in chief of the armed forces
 May negotiate and ratify certain treaties.May negotiate and ratify certain treaties.
 The president selectsThe president selects
 Prime minister, head of governmentPrime minister, head of government
 CabinetCabinet
 The formal Judicial systemThe formal Judicial system
 Headed by a Supreme CourtHeaded by a Supreme Court
 Includes the Court of Appeals and lower courts.Includes the Court of Appeals and lower courts.
 National AssemblyNational Assembly
 175 member legislature175 member legislature
 Help organize Ivory coastHelp organize Ivory coast

6.  Based on FrenchBased on French
 Civil law systemCivil law system
 Customary lawCustomary law
 Judicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of theJudicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of the
Supreme CourtSupreme Court
 French treaties, legal articles, and books areFrench treaties, legal articles, and books are
instructive and informative on general principles ofinstructive and informative on general principles of
law and are often used as a reference to determinelaw and are often used as a reference to determine
points of Ivoirian lawpoints of Ivoirian law

7. GNIGNI $13,300,000,000$13,300,000,000 Population =Population = 17,100,00017,100,000
GNI/capitaGNI/capita $770$770
$13,487$13,487$10,056$10,056$4,225$4,225$2,717$2,717$1,805$1,805$1,031$1,031$793$793
335,294335,294670,588670,588670,588670,588670,588670,588670,588670,588670,588670,588335,294335,294
5.15.1
$2,644$2,644$1,972$1,972$828$828$533$533$354$354$202$202$156$156
$ 4.5 (B)$ 4.5 (B)$ 6.7 (B)$ 6.7 (B)$ 2.8 (B)$ 2.8 (B)$ 1.8 (B)$ 1.8 (B)$ 1.2 (B)$ 1.2 (B)$ 691.6 (M)$ 691.6 (M)$ 266 (M)$ 266 (M)
1,710,0001,710,0003,420,0003,420,0003,420,0003,420,0003,420,0003,420,0003,420,0003,420,0003,420,0003,420,0001,710,0001,710,000
34%34%50.70%50.70%21.30%21.30%13.70%13.70%9.10%9.10%5.20%5.20%2%2%
10%10%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%10%10%
HighestHighestHighestHighestFourthFourthThirdThirdSecondSecondLowestLowestLowestLowest
HH IncomeHH Income
# HHs# HHs
HH size =HH size =
GNI/capitaGNI/capita
GNIGNI
Pop.Pop.

8.  GDP in 2004: U.S. $15.3 billionGDP in 2004: U.S. $15.3 billion
 GDP/capita: U.S. $856.00GDP/capita: U.S. $856.00
 Purchasing Power ParityPurchasing Power Parity
 GDP: U.S. $25.2 billion (2004)GDP: U.S. $25.2 billion (2004)
 GNI per capita: U.S. $1,390 (2004)GNI per capita: U.S. $1,390 (2004)
 GNI/HH : $3,927GNI/HH : $3,927
 Rate of inflation: 2.3% (2003)Rate of inflation: 2.3% (2003)
 Rate of growth (population): 1.8% (2004)Rate of growth (population): 1.8% (2004)

9. XOF to USD
0.00176
0.00178
0.0018
0.00182
0.00184
0.00186
0.00188
1/1/2006
1/8/2006
1/15/2006
1/22/2006
1/29/2006
2/5/2006
2/12/2006
2/19/2006
2/26/2006
3/5/2006
3/12/2006
3/19/2006
3/26/2006
4/2/2006
1 CFA Franc (XOF) = .0019 US Dollar1 CFA Franc (XOF) = .0019 US Dollar

10. USD to XOF
520
525
530
535
540
545
550
555
1/1/2006
1/8/2006
1/15/2006
1/22/2006
1/29/2006
2/5/2006
2/12/2006
2/19/2006
2/26/2006
3/5/2006
3/12/2006
3/19/2006
3/26/2006
1 US Dollar = 537.5 CFA Franc (XOF)1 US Dollar = 537.5 CFA Franc (XOF)

11.  Agriculture: 27%Agriculture: 27%
 Cocoa: 1.35 million metric tonsCocoa: 1.35 million metric tons
 Coffee: 160,000 metric tonsCoffee: 160,000 metric tons
 Industry: 21%Industry: 21%
 Services: 52%Services: 52%
 Exports of goods and services % of GDP: 42%Exports of goods and services % of GDP: 42%
 Cocoa, coffee, timber, rubber, cotton, palm oil,Cocoa, coffee, timber, rubber, cotton, palm oil,
pineapples, and bananaspineapples, and bananas
 Imports of good and services % of GDP: 32.6%Imports of good and services % of GDP: 32.6%
 Consumer goods, basic foodstuff, and capital goodsConsumer goods, basic foodstuff, and capital goods

12.  Literacy rate, adult females 15+ years: 38.2% (2000)Literacy rate, adult females 15+ years: 38.2% (2000)
 Literacy rate, adult males 15+ years: 60.1% (2000)Literacy rate, adult males 15+ years: 60.1% (2000)
Gross Enrollment RateGross Enrollment Rate
 School enrollment, primary level (% of age group)School enrollment, primary level (% of age group)
 Male: 86%Male: 86%
 Female: 89%Female: 89%
 School enrollment, secondary level (% of age group)School enrollment, secondary level (% of age group)
 Male: 33%Male: 33%
 Female: 18%Female: 18%

16.  Fertility rate, birth per women: 4.5 (2003)Fertility rate, birth per women: 4.5 (2003)
 Life expectancy at birthLife expectancy at birth
 Total years: 45.1 (2003)Total years: 45.1 (2003)
 Female: 44.76Female: 44.76
 Male: 40.27Male: 40.27
 Mortality rate, infants (total per 1,000 live births):Mortality rate, infants (total per 1,000 live births):
117 (2003)117 (2003)

17. 

18. 29294646626291914040United StatesUnited States
16165454464620207777West AfricaWest Africa
LTOLTOUAIUAIMASMASIDVIDVPDIPDICountryCountry

20.  Indigenous 10%-20%Indigenous 10%-20%
 Muslim 35%-40%Muslim 35%-40%
 Christian (Catholic, Protestant and otherChristian (Catholic, Protestant and other
denominations) 25%-35%.denominations) 25%-35%.
 The majority of foreigners (migratory workers)The majority of foreigners (migratory workers)
 Muslims (70%)Muslims (70%)
 Christian (20%)Christian (20%)

21. Telecommunications:Telecommunications:
 Telephones-main lines in use: 328,000Telephones-main lines in use: 328,000
 Telephone-mobile cellular: 1,236,000Telephone-mobile cellular: 1,236,000
 Ivoirians ownIvoirians own
 More than 3 million televisionMore than 3 million television
 7 million radios7 million radios
 Television broadcast stations: 14Television broadcast stations: 14
 Households with televisions: 35%Households with televisions: 35%
 Internet users: 90,000Internet users: 90,000
 Most users connect through the cyber cafesMost users connect through the cyber cafes
 Internet hosts: 3,795Internet hosts: 3,795
 Personal Computers: 6,100Personal Computers: 6,100

22. Physical:Physical:
 Paved roads:Paved roads:
 Over 43,000 milesOver 43,000 miles
 3,750 primary roads3,750 primary roads
 3,666 paved secondary roads3,666 paved secondary roads
 Energy Use (kg of oil equivalent): 418.1 (2000)Energy Use (kg of oil equivalent): 418.1 (2000)
 Electricity Consumption (kwh): 2.983 billion (2001)Electricity Consumption (kwh): 2.983 billion (2001)
 Aircraft departures: 2,300 (2000)Aircraft departures: 2,300 (2000)
 Internal Freshwater resources per capita (cubic meters): 4,573.7Internal Freshwater resources per capita (cubic meters): 4,573.7
(2003)(2003)
 Urban population (% of total population): 45%Urban population (% of total population): 45%
 Airports: 37 (7 with paved runways)Airports: 37 (7 with paved runways)
 Waterways: 980 km (navigable rivers, canals, and coastal lagoons)Waterways: 980 km (navigable rivers, canals, and coastal lagoons)

23.  Based on FrenchBased on French
 Civil law systemCivil law system
 Legal tradition which is the base of the law in the majority of countriesLegal tradition which is the base of the law in the majority of countries
of the worldof the world
 Customary lawCustomary law
 Consist of established patterns of behavior that can be objectivelyConsist of established patterns of behavior that can be objectively
verified within a particular social settingverified within a particular social setting
 Law exists where certain legal practice is observed and relevantLaw exists where certain legal practice is observed and relevant
actors consider it to be lawactors consider it to be law
 In order to do business in Ivory Coast all document must be in FrenchIn order to do business in Ivory Coast all document must be in French
 Stuffim & BacomStuffim & Bacom
 Have 125 member law firm that are base in St. Paul MinnesotaHave 125 member law firm that are base in St. Paul Minnesota
 Maintains offices inMaintains offices in
 Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.
 Denver, ColoradoDenver, Colorado
 Paris, FranceParis, France
 Harley Hambone – International Finance expert and master salesmanHarley Hambone – International Finance expert and master salesman
 Sylvester Soupspoon – Transportation AttorneySylvester Soupspoon – Transportation Attorney

24.  Ivory Coast Investment Promotion (CEPIC)Ivory Coast Investment Promotion (CEPIC)
 Promote joint-venture operationsPromote joint-venture operations
 Investment in Ivory CoastInvestment in Ivory Coast
 Assists with the necessary formalities ofAssists with the necessary formalities of
 RegisteringRegistering
 IncorporatingIncorporating
 ModifyingModifying
 dissolvingdissolving
 The law of both the Ivory Coast and Kenya place serious restrictionsThe law of both the Ivory Coast and Kenya place serious restrictions
on foreign law firms establishing local offices with foreign lawyers:on foreign law firms establishing local offices with foreign lawyers:
 Requirements to set up officeRequirements to set up office
 To employ a majority of local lawyers or to ensure that their local office is managedTo employ a majority of local lawyers or to ensure that their local office is managed
by a local lawyer.by a local lawyer.
 To practice before the courts of either country must be certified by the local barTo practice before the courts of either country must be certified by the local bar
associationassociation..

25. Safari Air LinesSafari Air Lines (SAL)(SAL)
 An international airfreight companyAn international airfreight company
 Major aircraft carrier for all of East, Central, and West AfricaMajor aircraft carrier for all of East, Central, and West Africa
 Almost a $1 million per year account for Stuffim & Bacon whichAlmost a $1 million per year account for Stuffim & Bacon which
includes work with airline regulatory agencies in the U.S., as wellincludes work with airline regulatory agencies in the U.S., as well
as general advice regarding international aviation matteras general advice regarding international aviation matter
Livingston Tours, INCLivingston Tours, INC
 A small U.S. based travel agency that specializes in three monthA small U.S. based travel agency that specializes in three month
African safaris.African safaris.
 Stuffim bills Livingston less than $500,000 per year, mainly forStuffim bills Livingston less than $500,000 per year, mainly for
preparing and negotiating agreements with international charterpreparing and negotiating agreements with international charter
airlines and local tour operators serving East Africa.airlines and local tour operators serving East Africa.

26.  GhanaGhana
 Bentsi-EnchillBentsi-Enchill && LetsaLetsa
 General Law Consult (GLC)General Law Consult (GLC)
 LiberiaLiberia
 Sannoh & Associates Law FirmSannoh & Associates Law Firm
 NamibiaNamibia
 Lorentz & BoneLorentz & Bone
 P FP F KoepKoep & Co& Co
 NigeriaNigeria
 Ajumogobia, Okeke, Barristers & SolicitorsAjumogobia, Okeke, Barristers & Solicitors
 Abdulai Taiwo & CoAbdulai Taiwo & Co
 Sierra LoerneSierra Loerne
 A. Tejan-Cole and AssociatesA. Tejan-Cole and Associates

27.  USAUSA
 Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & KatzWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & FlomSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
 EuropeEurope
 FreshfieldsFreshfields BruckhausBruckhaus DeringerDeringer LLPLLP
 ArglesArgles StonehamStoneham BurstowsBurstows (ASB Law)(ASB Law)
 SingaporeSingapore
 Allen and GledhillAllen and Gledhill

28.  Largest economies in Sub-Saharan AfricaLargest economies in Sub-Saharan Africa
 Business infrastructure superior to many otherBusiness infrastructure superior to many other
countries in the regioncountries in the region
 Industrial and transportation hub of the regionIndustrial and transportation hub of the region
 Tax advantagesTax advantages
 Lawyers and accountants are among theLawyers and accountants are among the
entities that ensure that all appropriate lawsentities that ensure that all appropriate laws
and procedures regarding business lawand procedures regarding business law
practices are followed.practices are followed.

29.  Remain mired in political/military crisis that hadRemain mired in political/military crisis that had
undermined the economy and investor confidenceundermined the economy and investor confidence
 Physically divided and resumption of civil war, social unrestPhysically divided and resumption of civil war, social unrest
could occur at any given momentcould occur at any given moment
 Uncertain legal protections & weak judiciaryUncertain legal protections & weak judiciary
 Concerns about the rule of lawConcerns about the rule of law
 Government ability to provide equal protectionGovernment ability to provide equal protection
 Language barrier with U.S. companiesLanguage barrier with U.S. companies
 To establish a presence in Ivory Coast have two situationTo establish a presence in Ivory Coast have two situation
compared to U.S.compared to U.S.
 It is more costlyIt is more costly
 Involved more proceduresInvolved more procedures

30.  Corruption: 152/159 = 1.9 making it one of the most corruptCorruption: 152/159 = 1.9 making it one of the most corrupt
nations in the worldnations in the world
 2002 – 2.72002 – 2.7
 2003 – 2.12003 – 2.1
 2004 – 2.02004 – 2.0
 2005 – 1.92005 – 1.9
 Greatest impact onGreatest impact on
 Judicial proceedingsJudicial proceedings
 Contract awardsContract awards
 CustomsCustoms
 Tax issuesTax issues
 If the political situation doesn’t stabilizeIf the political situation doesn’t stabilize
 The damage to the economy and commercial environment will continueThe damage to the economy and commercial environment will continue

31.  Economist Intelligence Unit expects real GDP growthEconomist Intelligence Unit expects real GDP growth
to stagnate: 1.2%to stagnate: 1.2%
 Inflation is forecast to increase to 4.5%Inflation is forecast to increase to 4.5%
 Even though for its uncertaintyEven though for its uncertainty
 Business continue to functionBusiness continue to function
 Profits are down but still have the ability to goProfits are down but still have the ability to go
onon

32. 1.1. Advise Hambone of the various business, legal, political, andAdvise Hambone of the various business, legal, political, and
cultural obstacles standing in the way of opening an office incultural obstacles standing in the way of opening an office in
each country and how he can best overcome them. Also make aeach country and how he can best overcome them. Also make a
recommendation as to where you think the office should berecommendation as to where you think the office should be
located and how (and by whom) it should be staffed andlocated and how (and by whom) it should be staffed and
operatedoperated
2.2. Advise Soupspoon as to how he can convince his fellowAdvise Soupspoon as to how he can convince his fellow
partners that an African office will be profitable for the firm, ifpartners that an African office will be profitable for the firm, if
not in the short term, then in the long term. This would includenot in the short term, then in the long term. This would include
the type of representation arrangements that the Stuffim firmthe type of representation arrangements that the Stuffim firm
should make with its clients in Africa to minimize its financialshould make with its clients in Africa to minimize its financial
risk.risk.
3.3. How do you believe Stuffim & Bacom, as a growingHow do you believe Stuffim & Bacom, as a growing
international law firm, should respond to terrorist threats?international law firm, should respond to terrorist threats?

34.  Ivory Coast maintains the historical, cultural and economicIvory Coast maintains the historical, cultural and economic
links with France and Europelinks with France and Europe
 The younger generations are more exposed to the AmericanThe younger generations are more exposed to the American
cultureculture
 IvoiriansIvoirians
 Trust in a business relationship is paramountTrust in a business relationship is paramount
 Prefer to conduct face-to-face contactPrefer to conduct face-to-face contact