Yamoussoukro

The political capital of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Yamoussoukro was designated as such in 1983. Originally a small agricultural town, it was chosen by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny to promote national unity and reduce the concentration of power in Abidjan, the economic capital. Notable for its Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the largest churches in the world.