10 Facts about Benin

Sunday, June 14th 2015. | Countries

Check the explanation about the country in West Africa in Facts about Benin. The official name of this country is Republic of Benin. It shares border with other countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Togo. The concentration of the people of this country is centered on the small southern coastline of Bight of Benin. If you are interested to know more about Benin, check the following post below:

Facts about Benin 1: the major cities

The main city in Benin is Cotonou. It is considered as the largest which serves as the economic capital and seat of government. The capital of Benin is located in Porto-Novo.

Facts about Benin 2: the total area

The population of this country is around 9.98 million individuals. It spans on the area of 42,000 square miles or 115,000 square km.

Benin City

Benin City

Facts about Benin 3: the agriculture

Agricultural sector is considered as the most important field in Benin.   The income of the people is taken from farming.

Facts about Benin 4: the languages

The people in sub Saharan nation speak French as their official language. The common languages spoken by the people include Fon and Yoruba. Both are the indigenous languages in Benin.

Benin Facts

Benin Facts

Facts about Benin 5: the religion

You can find various religions here. Roman Catholicism is considered as the largest one embraced by the people in Benin. Other religions are Islam, Protestantism and Vodun. Find out facts about Belize here.

Facts about Benin 6: the Slave Coast

Benin was called Dahomey in the past. It earned the nickname as the Slave Coast. It is due to the fact that many slaves were exported from Benin to the New World. Then the area was called French Dahomey after France captured this country and slavery was abolished.

Benin House

Benin House

Facts about Benin 7: the independence

Dahomey got the full independence from France in 1960.

Facts about Benin 8: the first novel

The first novel written in Beninese was published in 1929. It was entitled L’Esclave written by Felix Couchoro.

Benin Image

Benin Image

Facts about Benin 9: the vibrant music

The music in Benin is not traditional. After the country got the independence, the native Beninese music is mixed with American rock, French cabaret, Congolese rumba, funk and soul, and Ghanaian highlife. Get facts about Belgium here.

Facts about Benin 10: the famous people

The famous people who were born in Benin include actor Djimon Hounsou, actor Didier Chabi, and singer Angélique Kidjo.

Facts about Benin

Facts about Benin

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