Major Ethnic Groups of Ivory Coast: A Cultural Mosaic

Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) hosts over 60 ethnic groups. Ten major ones include:

1. Akan (largest): Includes Baoulé, Agni, Nzema subgroups; known for art, gold weights.
2. Baoulé: Central region; famous for bronze sculptures, masks, woodcarving.
3. Agni: Southeast; distinctive woven textiles with symbolic patterns.
4. Sénoufo: North; geometric wooden sculptures, masks, musical traditions.
5. Kru: Southwest coast; fishing, trading, seafood cuisine.
6. Guéré (Wè): West/southwest; expressive masks, dances, body art.
7. Yacouba (Dan): Northeast; millet, sorghum, fonio farming.
8. Dida: South-central; intricate beadwork, jewelry, ceremonial masks.
9. Bété: West; skilled mask and sculpture carvers.
10. Malinké (Mandinka): North; farming, trade, Islamic traditions.

This diversity enriches Ivorian languages, customs, music, and art, though it also presents governance challenges.