With its strategic coastline, Benin in west Africa was one of the hubs of the slave trade and was part of the “Slave Coast” as it was called. This left a lasting impact on the country both culturally and economically. Benin is now a developing nation and has a long way to go until it achieves economic prosperity.
Part of present-day Benin came under the powerful Dahomey Kingdom, a name that would stick on. It was the Portuguese who first arrived in Benin followed by other European powers such as the Dutch and the French. However, it was Benin’s time under the French that altered the country’s trajectory significantly. Benin was also known for its palm oil, an important trade commodity.
Ouidah was among the important port towns. The city’s landscape reflects its past and is home to several forts as well as memorials such as the ‘Point of no return’.
Benin came under French control in the late 1800s and got its independence only in August 1960.
It was called Dahomey and its first President was Hubert Maga. It got its present name in 1975. However, independence did not bring lasting peace to the country. It was witness to several coups and its path to democracy was long and difficult.
The country’s culture is a mix of local traditions and foreign influences. Languages such as Yoruba, Fon and French are spoken.
In the 1900s, the descendents of people who were forced to work as slaves in Brazil returned to the country. This led to the development of a unique confluence of African and Brazilian culture. The country’s capital, Porto-Novo, is still home to several structures that reflect this aspect of the country’s heritage.
Factfile
Name: Republic of Benin
Capital: Porto-Novo
Currency: West African CFA Franc
President: Patrice Talon
Natural features
If you got an opportunity to visit the wilderness, which animals would you like to see? Lions and elephants and cheetahs? Then a visit to the Pendjari National Park could be exciting. The Atakora Mountains which runs through western Africa passes through the country. The country also has lagoons.
