Dabakala Department is a department of Hambol Region in Vallée du Bandama District, Ivory Coast. In 2021, its population was 254,430 and its seat is the settlement of Dabakala. The sub-prefectures of the department are Bassawa, Boniérédougou, Dabakala, Foumbolo, Niéméné, Satama-Sokoro, Satama-Sokoura, Sokala-Sobara, Tendéné-Bambarasso, and Yaossédougou. It is the largest department of Ivory Coast by area.

History

Dabakala Department was created in 1974 as a split-off from Katiola Department. In 1997, regions were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast; as a result, all departments were converted into second-level subdivisions. Dabakala Department was included in Vallée du Bandama Region. In 2011, districts were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast. At the same time, regions were reorganised and became second-level subdivisions and all departments were converted into third-level subdivisions. At this time, Dabakala Department became part of Hambol Region in Vallée du Bandama District.