Abidjan is the economic and former official capital of Cote D'Ivoire as well as the largest city. Abidjan is characterized by high industrialization and urbanization. Major industries include food processing, lumber, automobile manufacturing, and the manufacture of textiles, chemicals, and soap.

Cote D'Ivoire is in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia. The climate is tropical along the coast and semi arid in the far north.

The official language is French. It is also used as the main language in business. English is not widely spoken or understood. The main religions are Islam, Christianity and indigenous beliefs.

The Ivorian economy is largely market based and depends heavily on the agricultural sector. Almost 70% of the Ivorian people are engaged in some form of agricultural activity.

Ivorian's are generally well-educated and proud, however there are tensions linked to nationality and citizenship. Expatriate African visitors may encounter some hostility linked to popular resentment at the large number of expatriate Africans in the country. Business culture is influenced by French traditions. Although the official language is French, English is widely spoken in business. Expatriate business dress is formal. Business culture is also mostly formal, hierarchical and often chauvinistic, although women are well-represented in business. Age commands great respect and senior Ivorian executives would generally expect to deal with older male executives.

The security risk for expatriates in Cote d'Ivoire is high, but extreme in the Western border region. Risks include a general lack of state security, mercenaries, gunmen opposed to the state, and violence fuelled by ethnic or social tensions.

The currency of Cote d'Ivoire is the West African CFA franc (XOF).

Medical facilities are generally acceptable but limited and expensive in Abidjan. Medical facilities outside major towns are generally basic. Serious or complex medical treatment may require evacuation which can be expensive.

The population of Abidjan is 4.7 Million (2016 est.), while the inflation rate is 0.8% (July 2017).

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Abidjan as at 1 July 2017 is low in comparison to other places in the world.

Abidjan is ranked as a extreme hardship location.