Ferkessedougou

Ferkessédougou, often shortened to Ferké is the second big town in the northern part of Côte d'Ivoire. It is an important pole of development as it is the obligatory gate towards Burkina Faso and Mali. It is also a major transport crossroads and is known for its market and hospital.

The agricultural economy of the surrounding area is based on cotton and sugar production. The dominant ethnic group is the Sénoufos (niarafolo and Palaka). Populations are peaceful and sociocultural organization is based on the "Poro", an educational system which every child should experiment before be considered as fully a man. Tourists are welcome in this part of the country where exist the biggest natural park of Bouna (wildlife, folklore, etc.).