How to Pronounce Abidjan

Meaning and Context

Abidjan, the de facto economic capital and largest city of Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), stands as a vibrant metropolis and a central hub of West African commerce. Officially designated the country's administrative capital in 1983, Yamoussoukro holds that political title, but Abidjan remains the undeniable heartbeat of Ivorian finance and industry. The city's profound economic significance is anchored by the Port of Abidjan, one of the busiest and most modern in sub-Saharan Africa, which facilitates the export of key commodities like cocoa, coffee, and palm oil. Nestled along the Ébrié Lagoon and the Gulf of Guinea, Abidjan's iconic skyline, featuring landmarks like the St. Paul's Cathedral and the twisting Pyramide structure, symbolizes its rapid modernization. Its diverse neighborhoods, from the upscale Plateau district to the bustling markets of Treichville and the artistic quarter of Cocody, reflect a rich tapestry of Ivorian culture and a dynamic population drawn from across the nation and the wider region, making it a premier destination for business and tourism in Francophone Africa.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling is Abidjan. Common errors and variations are relatively few but often involve minor typographical mistakes or phonetic misspellings. One frequent error is the omission of the second 'd', resulting in Abijan. Another is the misspelling of the opening syllable as Abi- instead of Abid-, leading to variants like Abidjan (correct) versus the incorrect Abidjan (if the 'd' is mistakenly doubled elsewhere). In French, the official language of Ivory Coast, the spelling is identical, but non-native speakers sometimes incorrectly add an accent, such as Abidján. Additionally, in hurried writing or poor auto-correct, it can be misspelled as Abidgan or Abidjhan. It is also important to note the city is sometimes colloquially referred to as "Babylon" or "Little Manhattan" in popular culture, but these are nicknames, not spelling variants.

Example Sentences

After a major expansion project was completed, the Port of Abidjan solidified its status as a critical gateway for trade throughout West Africa.

Tourists often find themselves captivated by the contrast between the modern skyscrapers of the Plateau and the vibrant, traditional maquis open-air restaurants in the Yopougon district.

The famous St.

Paul's Cathedral in Abidjan, designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito, offers a stunning panoramic view of the Ébrié Lagoon.

Many multinational corporations choose to establish their regional headquarters in Abidjan due to its advanced infrastructure and stable economic environment.

Despite the political capital moving to Yamoussoukro, all major financial and diplomatic activity remains concentrated in Abidjan.

The city's annual Fêtes des Masques (Festival of Masks) in November showcases the incredible cultural diversity of the entire Ivory Coast.

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