Originally a coastal fishing village, Abidjan was settled by French colonists at the turn of the century and by 1934 it had been designated the capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Two decades later, Abidjan welcomed the completion of the Vridi Canal which connected the city on the lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, and secured Abidjan's place as a commercial and trading centre.

The thriving economy of this modern city has been overwhelmed by in-migration from rural areas and less prosperous neighboring countries. Most of Abidjan has a well-developed network of roads that are generally in good condition, including a strong public transportation system and a modern airport.

The city is located on the top of a large and deep aquifer which has provided Abidjan with a adequate water supply system. While Abidjan is considered to have the best sewage and drainage system in West Africa, the system has not kept pace with the city's growth.