ABIDJAN

Largest city, main port, and capital of the Republic of the Ivory Coast. The city is partly on the mainland and partly on the island of Petit-Bassam, linked to the mainland by a bridge. Originally inadequate lighter port facilities were used on the outer side of the coastal bar at Port-Bouet, the railroad terminus, and at Grand-Bassam, 14 mi. (23 km) east. In 1950 the completion of the Virdi Canal through the bar, and of wharves on the west side of Petit-Bassam Island (Treichville), created a sheltered, deepwater port. The railroad from Abidjan serves the Ivory Coast hinterland and also Ouagadougou, capital of the Republic of the Upper Volta. Abidjan has an international airport. There are two hospitals in the city and the Abidjan Technical School. The University of Abidjan, started in 1958 as the center for Higher Education, was inaugurated in 1964. industries include margarine production, fruit-and tuna-canning, soapmaking, sawmilling, and beer and soft drink production.