Benin, Country in West Africa
The nation extends northward from the Gulf of Guinea through coastal plains, central plateaus, and mountains in the northwest to the Niger River border.
The ancient Kingdom of Dahomey controlled this region from the 17th century until French colonization in 1894, before gaining independence as the renamed nation in 1960.
French remains the official language, while indigenous languages such as Fon and Yoruba reflect the diverse ethnic composition of more than 12 million inhabitants.
The economic capital Cotonou functions as the primary gateway with its international airport and seaport, while Porto-Novo serves as the administrative capital for government offices.
The Royal Palaces of Abomey display earthen architecture with walls decorated in relief symbols representing former monarchs who ruled the kingdom for over two centuries.
Inception: August 1, 1960
Capital city: Porto-Novo
Part of: West Africa
Shares border with: Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Togo
Address: Benin
Website: https://gouv.bj
GPS coordinates: 9.52935,2.25844
Latest update: November 30, 2025 18:46
Benin offers historical sites and natural areas across its regions. The country features national parks with diverse wildlife, UNESCO heritage sites, museums documenting local history, beaches along the Atlantic coast, traditional markets, and religious monuments. Notable locations include lake settlements, waterfalls, and botanical gardens.
Monument Amazone
354.4 km
W National Park
276.3 km
Pendjari National Park
187.8 km
Door of No Return
357.3 km
Royal Palaces of Abomey
262.4 km
São João Baptista d’Ajudá
353.4 km
Dantokpa Market
351.9 km
Historical Museum of Abomey
262.6 km
Temple des Pythons
353.3 km
Fondation Zinsou
353 km
Place de l'Étoile rouge
352 km
W National Park of Benin
265.7 km
Forêt sacrée de Kpassè
352.7 km
Agongointo-Zoungoudo Underground Town
261.2 km
Place du Souvenir
353.8 km
W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
222.7 km
Fondation Claudine Talon
353.8 km
Basilique de l'Immaculée Conception
353.3 km
Grotte Notre-Dame d'Arigbo
195.4 km
Central mosque of Porto-Novo
342.9 km
Ouidah Museum of History
353.4 km
Villa Karo
365 km
Royal Palace Museum
343 km
Akaba Idena
244.1 km
National Library of Benin
338.1 km
Kota Falls
117 km
Place Bulgarie
353 km
Jardin des plantes et de la nature
342.4 kmReviews
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