Fun facts about Benin Republic

The Republic of Benin (French: République du Bénin) is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the north-west, and Niger to the north-east. The official language of Benin is French, with several indigenous languages such as Fon, Bariba, Yoruba and Dendi also being commonly spoken.

Benin Republic is an undeniably diverse place. Here are some fun facts about Benin Republic you probably didn’t know

• The Republic of Benin is a small country in West Africa. It covers an area of 44,310 m² and is home to about 11 million people.

• Benin used to be called Dahomey – it first acquired the name “Benin” in 1975.

• It takes its name from the large body of water at the southern end of the colony “the Bay of Benin”.

• The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo, but the largest city is Cotonou, which is also home to the government.

• It gained its independence from the French in August 1, 1960 and celebrates Independence Day on the 1st every year.

• The capital Porto-Novo was developed to promote the slave trade in the 12th century.

• Benin is home to the Slave Route, a 2.5-mile stretch that was the last piece of African slaves to walk before being transported to the Caribbean.

• The last ship carrying slaves left present-day Benin for Brazil in 1885.

• Unlike most parts of the world, snakes in Benin are revered, especially the royal pythons. They even eat and sleep in people’s homes.

• The temple of the pythons is home to the royal pythons 50. It measures 130 square feet.

• Voodoo is practiced by 17% of the population and is recognized as the official religion.

• Because of superstitious voodoo, some communities believe that photography steals part of the soul.

• Although located in a turbulent region, Benin is one of the most stable democracies in Africa.

• While other West African countries export oil and cocoa, cotton is Benin’s main export. It accounts for 80% of its exports.

• It is home to the “Venice of Africa”, a group of villages floating in a lake.

• It is also home to Benin Iya, the largest archaeological structure in the world.

• The country is home to the royal palaces of Abomey, a group of palaces 12 spread over 40 hectares.

• The Beninese call the whites “yovo”, a word that whites find insulting, but this is not the case.

• Angelique Kidjo, the famous artist who popularised African music in the West, was originally from Benin.

• Gas prices are high in West Africa and petrol stations are rare. People prefer cheap gas sold on the black market.

• The country is largely made up of young people and the average age is 17.9.

• The country’s fertility rate is high, at about five children per woman.

• The literacy rate is low at 38.4% and local languages are not written languages.

• Due to the level of illiteracy, only 4.5% of the population can access and use the Internet.

• Forestry accounts for 40% of the land and agricultural accounts for 35%.

• Eating or greeting someone with the left hand is taboo.

• When leaving or entering a room, it is considered respectful to shake hands with everyone.

• The first Benin Republic flag dates back to the distant year 1180, when the Kingdom of Benin was established.

• One of the largest collections of carved wood can be found in Benin.

• In summer, people wear winter jackets to avoid extreme heat.

• There are only two national parks in the country.

• There is only one international airport in the country and it is located in Cotonou.

Useful Links

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