National Order of the Ivory Coast
The National Order of the Ivory Coast (sometimes simply mentioned as National Order) is the highest state order of knighthood of the Ivory Coast. History. The Order was founded on 10 April 1961 to celebrate the independence of the Ivory Coast which was until 1960 a French colony. As the highest state honour, it is awarded to those who have highly distinguished themselves to the service to the state. The collar Collar is awarded solely to foreign heads of state. Insignia. The "medal" of the order is constituted of a white-enamelled cross of  Malta, bordered in red, surrounded by a green crown of laurel. At the centre of the cross in a gold medallion showing a frontal elephant surrounded by a crown of laurel, the whole surrounded by a green-enamelled ring with golden inscription "REPUBLIQUE DE COTE D'IVOIRE" ("Republic of Ivory Coast"). The "plaque" shows the same design as the medal but the cross is put upon a silver radiating star. The "ribbon" of the order is dark orange. Grades. The Order is subdivided in five ordinary grades, plus a special class of the Collar: National Order of the Ivory Coast The