Over 17 million people live in Cote d'Ivoire, whose population is mostly considered Ivorians. This was originally considered the Ivory Coast that extended to the western parts of Africa. The area borders West Liberia, Guinea, North Mali, Burkina Faso, East Ghana, and south of the Gulf of Guinea. There is very little history known about this area. According to some researchers, cultures of Neolithic inhabited the area. Akan people invaded the area during the 1900s and in the 1800s.

In 1893, Cote d'Ivoire became a French colony, but gained its independence in 1960. As a republic, the country's government is highly personified by the president.

Although the country grew economically since 1960, the coups in the late 1990s and early 2000 have prevented substantial economic growth in the country. However, Cote d'Ivoire still remains as one of the most prosperous countries of the tropical African states. The economy is mostly based upon the agricultural industry, especially the crops of coffee and cocoa.

Cote d'Ivoire is a diverse country with more than 65 languages, with French being the official language and Dyula being the most common spoken one. The country is mostly Christian, but with the increase of workers from neighboring states who are Muslim, Cote d'Ivoire faces additional religions tensions.

Zimbabwe

The Republic of Zimbabwe is in the southern region of Africa, bordered by the Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers. Zimbabwe also borders Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. The interpretation of Zimbabwe means in Shona, ?The Big House of Stone,? which is a tribute to the Empire of Great Zimbabwe.

Gaining its independence from the United Kingdom in 1965, Zimbabwe is a republic with a parliamentary government.

Zimbabwe had one of the strongest economies in all of Africa, but its current economy has been suffering for the last several years. With its lack of foreign exchange and supplies, combined with its increasing inflation, Zimbabwe's economic weakness has been attributed to the current government. With 13 million in population, 98% of the population is comprised of black ethnic groups, such as the Shona, Ndebele, and Bantus. The most prevalent religion is Christianity, followed by Roman Catholicism and ancestral worship.