Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Along a lagoon lies Abidjan, the chief port and capital of the Ivory Coast. Called the New York of West Africa, Abidjan holds a museum of traditional Ivorian art, a national library, and several agricultural and scientific research institutes. Maquis -- African style restaurants -- are found everywhere, famous for their grilled chicken and fish. Popular local foods include aloco and attieke.

Language: French, Dioula     Currency: West African franc