'Ferkessédougou', often shortened to 'Ferké', is the second large 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. Moreover, Ferkessédougou is also the chief city of the
department of the same name.
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.).