Yamoussoukro, city (1990 est. pop. 100,000), designated capital of Côte d'Ivoire, S central Côte d'Ivoire. A small town of less than 20,000 people until the late 1970s, Yamoussoukro was designated in 1983 to become the new national capital and an adminstrative and transportation center. Perfume and fishing industries are in the city. It was the home of Côte d'Ivoire's long-term president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny. He sponsored the city's rapid growth, which included hotels and a large highway connecting Yamoussoukro to the former capital of Abidjan, where most government offices and foreign embassies remain. The city also has the world's largest Christian church, Our Lady of Peace Yamoussoukro, which rises to a height of 489 ft (149 m) and was dedicated in 1990 by Pope John Paul II. Yamoussoukro's development (especially the cathedral) drew popular criticism for its extravagance during a difficult economic period. The city suffered neglect after Houphouët-Boigny's death (1993), but in 2001 the government began making preparations to move to the city.

Town (pop., 2003 est.: 185,600), capital designate of Côte d'Ivoire. From 1960 to 1993 it served as the country's “second capital” because it was the birthplace, home, and unofficial headquarters of Pres. Félix Houphouët-Boigny. It was designated the official capital in 1983 and shares some of the functions of the former national capital, Abidjan. Fishing and forestry are important to its economy. It is the site of the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix, the world's largest Christian church, an almost exact replica of St. Peter's in Rome.

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