Abidjan is the largest city and former capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Abidjan, the de facto (and former) capital, is the commercial and banking center of Côte d'Ivoire. It stands in Ébrié Lagoon on several converging peninsulas and islands, connected by bridges. The city is a study in contrasts. On one hand the city is hot and humid, congested and full of street hawkers. On the other hand, Abidjan is referred to as the "Paris of West Africa" because of its parks, broad boulevards, universities, exotic fashions and museums.