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Yamoussoukro

General Information about Yamoussoukro

Yamoussoukro, often shortened to Yam, is the capital city of Cote D'Ivoire and one of the nation's largest cities. Yamoussoukro is also the site of one of the largest places of Christian worship in the world. The most commonly spoken language in Yamoussoukro is French. The city is home to over 200,700 people. Many residents of Yamoussoukro are Roman Catholic.

The Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix, better known as the Basilisca Of Our Lady Of Peace of Yamoussoukro, is one of the most famous places of Christian worship in the world. Constructed by Pierre Fakhoury during the reign of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny. The Basilisca took four years to build and was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in September 1990. The Basilisca Of Our Lady Of Peace of Yamoussoukro was modelled after Vatican City's Basilisca of Saint Peter.

Yamoussoukro has many other interesting religious sites to visit such as the Protestant Temple and the Mosque. Yamoussoukro also has the Palace and Plantations of the President as well as other buildings remaining from President Félix Houphouët-Boigny's 33 year reign.

Just outside the city of Yamoussoukro is the Abokouamekro Game Reserve. This reserve is a popular place to visit as it is a refuge for all animals that are native to Western Africa.

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