One of the less popular tourist destinations in West Africa, Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, has still retained many of its authentic traditions and culture.
From virgin forests and palm-fringed beaches to abundant wildlife and interesting history, Benin has a lot to tempt tourists. Take a look at these interesting facts!
1. Formerly known as Dahomey, Benin borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the northwest, Niger to the northeast, and the Bight of Benin to the south.
2. Benin has been named after the body of water on which it sits – the Bight of Benin.
3. The Bight of Benin or Bay of Benin is in the Gulf of Guinea in Atlantic Ocean’s northernmost tropical portion. A majority of Benin’s population resides on the Bight of Benin’s southern coastline.
4. Porto-Novo is Benin’s capital. However, its seat of government is in Cotonou, the country’s largest city and economic hub.
5. Benin depends largely on subsistence agriculture. Its tropical climate is ideal for cultivation. The country’s main exports are palm oil and cotton.
6. Benin’s terrain is highly varied in nature. With marshy plains, lakes, lagoons, sandy coastal plains, rivers, flatlands, rocky hills, and forests, the country is a haven for adventure lovers.
7. About 31% of Benin is densely forested. Owing to this, the country boasts abundant wildlife with all sorts of animals like elephants, lions, antelopes, hippos, monkeys, and more.
8. Pendjari National Park in northwestern Benin has the largest remaining lion population in entire West Africa. The park also has a lot of elephants.
9. French is Benin’s official language. However, several other indigenous languages like Fon, Bariba, Yoruba, and Dend are also widely spoken by its people.
10. Benin suffers from extreme poverty. Despite that, it is one of the most politically stable nations of West Africa.
11. Benin is located right along the ancient slave coast, owing to which it played a major role in the development of African slave trade.
12. Carved wood masks from Benin are world famous, and fetch good prices in European and North American markets. Apart from that, ivory, bronze, and iron sculptures from Benin are also well known.
13. Voodoo was invented in Benin. The ancient rulers of the country were very ceremonial and voodoo magic was part of their daily routines.
14. Owing to Benin’s longstanding beliefs in animism and voodoo magic, taking pictures of the locals can be a concern for tourists.
It is believed that taking a photograph takes away a part of one’s soul, and hence you may invite angry glares if you try to take pictures of the local people in Benin.
15. In every town of Benin, you’ll find at least one open-air market. When you visit the country, don’t forget to visit one and buy some souvenirs, including woodcarvings, sculptures, ornaments, traditional pottery, garments, and voodoo fetishes.