Ivory Coast has been split in two since a failed coup in 2002 developed into a full-scale rebellion against the government, which subsequently lost control of the north and west of the country. A peace deal in March 2007, however, has paved the way towards reunification of the war-torn country.

• 709,000 still uprooted by violence
• Widespread insecurity hinders aid
• A fifth of children under five stunted

There are few if any government-run health or education services in the rebel-held north and west. During the 2002 clashes, all government doctors, nurses and teachers fled the area. At least one million children missed out on school as a result.

Although some schools and hospitals have reopened, the infrastructure remains poor and many areas lack water and basic sanitation. Outbreaks of cholera, yellow fever and meningitis are on the rise.

The situation on the ground has stabilised considerably since a peace deal in March led to the formation of a new government of national unity, which includes senior rebel figures. Humanitarian priorities identified by the the United Nations include the 700,000 people who are are still waiting to return to their homes.

Total population (2006)	18.9 million DESA
No. of U.N. peacekeepers	9,159 (U.N. Operation in Cote d'Ivoire, Oct 2007)
Estimated no. of child soldiers	5,000 (UNICEF)
Average life expectancy (2005)	46 years (UNICEF)
HIV prevalence	4.7 percent (UNAIDS, 2007)
Probability of dying under five	196 per 1,000 people (WHO)
No. of internally displaced	709,000 (IDMC 2007)