Benin, Country in West Africa
Description
Benin is a West African state that stretches from the coast at the Gulf of Guinea northward over flat land, plateaus, and forested hills to the border at the Niger River. The landscape shifts from the humid south with palms and lagoons to dry savannas in the north, where small villages sit among fields.
History
The Kingdom of Dahomey ruled this territory from the 17th century and traded along the coast, before France made it a colony in 1894. Independence came in 1960, and the name changed to Benin in 1975 to recall an ancient West African empire.
Culture
French serves as the official language in daily life, while Fon and Yoruba are spoken in markets and villages, reflecting the origins of the people. The voodoo tradition remains alive and shows itself in temples, ceremonies, and shrines that travelers observe throughout the country.
Practical
Cotonou serves as the main gateway with its international airport and harbor, while Porto-Novo remains the capital with government offices. The best time to visit is between November and February, when temperatures are bearable and rain is scarce.
Did you know?
The royal palaces of Abomey show earthen architecture with walls decorated in relief and symbols that represent the rulers of the Dahomey empire. Today the buildings stand as a museum, where you can recognize the old craftsmanship and the stories of the kings in the courtyards.
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Benin brings together centuries of history with landscapes that shift from the Atlantic coast to protected wilderness areas inland. The country holds places where royal dynasties left their mark, like the Royal Palaces of Abomey with walls decorated by Fon artisans, and coastal towns such as Ouidah...
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
Cotonou Cathedral
353.7 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 kmEmotan Statue
24.9 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
Pigier Bénin
351.4 km
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