Abidjan is a sprawling city that is home to more than 6 million inhabitants. It is divided into two parts: the north and the south which are separated by the Ebrie lagoon. There are 3 bridges that connect the north and the south with the new Henri Konan Bedié bridge, which will be completed in 2014. You can find more information in the category “Getting around”.

There are many secure residential areas throughout the city, choosing the one that suits you best will depend on where you will be working, whether you have children who go to international schools or not and what your budget will be. Traffic can be a problem during peak hours, so it’s important to know which route you will be using.

For historical reasons, as well as safety and comfort, most expatriates live in Cocody or Marcory. Nevertheless, it is important to specify that some traditionally popular areas such as Yopougon, Abobo, Koumassi and Port-Bouet have subdivisions with housing that meets the expatriates’ criteria. In response to the severe housing shortage in Abidjan, private developers have built affordable housing for the middle classes in these areas. It is also your responsibility not to rely on the recommendations of the real estate agent. You should also survey them from top to bottom.