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The country we refer to as Benin today was once the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey. It was eventually nicknamed the Slave Coast due to significant trafficking through Dahomey of Africans (against their will) to the Americas, specifically to the slave markets of Brazil and the Caribbean.
It was transformed into a French Colony in the late 1800s, finally gaining its full independence from France in 1960. The country's current name (Benin) was adopted in 1975.
Subsequently, it witnessed a series of military coups, a mistaken association with Marxism, and the somewhat typical health and infrastructure problems indigenous to its neighbors, and most West African countries.
As a new democracy, the bright side is Benin's economy is growing and tourism is on the increase, especially along the coastal areas, and in the wildlife national parks of the north.
Much of the interior population is still dependent on subsistence farming; growing beans, corn and yams. Important cash crops include cotton, cocoa and coffee.
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- Official Name Republic of Benin
- Population 8,662,086
- Capital City Porto-Novo (234,168)
- Largest Cities Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Parakou
- Currency CFA Franc
- Currency Converter
- Languages French (official), tribal languages
- National Day 1 August, National Day
- Religions Muslim, Christian, traditional beliefs
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- Land Area 110,620 sq km (42,710 sq miles)
- Highest Point Mt. Sokbaro (658 m) (2,158 ft)
- Lowest Point Atlantic Ocean, sea level
- Land Divisions 12 departments, including: Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau and Zou
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| From a narrow and somewhat sandy coastal area, the marshy land and lagoons of the south rise into the La Terre de Barre Plateau, consisting of a wooded savannah that continues on into the foot hills of the Atakora Mountains of the northwest, a branch of the Togo Mountains. From there, the land slopes down into a broad plain and on to the Niger River valley of the far northeast. The Niger and Oueme are the country's major rivers. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 6º 48' N, 2º 63' E
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Benin is a small African country that's gaining in popularity with exotic travel enthusiasts.
Highlights for visitors include exotic local markets, pristine tropical beaches where surfing is possible, stilt houses, and guided overland tours for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those to Pendjari Wildlife Park.
Voodoo was born in Benin, so traces of its influence can be witnessed in local celebrations, markets and music.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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Benin is tropical; hot and humid in south; semiarid (quite dry) in north. Overall, the dry season runs from November to April, and a rainy season from the end of April through September. The mean temperature is near 80 degrees.
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Children in a doorway, Benin......
Voodoo street dancers in Benin......
Benin stilt houses...... |
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