Largest Cities in Benin

Facts about Benin

Official languages: French
Capital: Porto Novo
Area: 112,620 km²
Population: 9.1 million residents
Population density: 80.41 residents per km²
Currency: XOF
Internet TLD: .bj
ISO codes: BJ, BEN, 204
The telephone code for Benin is +229

Flag of Benin

The current flag of Benin was first adopted in 1960 when the country achieved independence from France. The flag is composed of three stripes – two horizontal in yellow and red and a vertical green in the pole part of the flag. These colors are traditional pan-African colors where green signifies hope, yellow symbolizes prosperity and red the courage and blood shed during independence struggles. These colors emphasize solidarity towards other African nations. In 1975, a Marxist government came to power in Benin and the country was renamed the Republic of Dahomey. During these times, a green flag with a red star in the upper left corner was used. After the fall of the regime in 1990, the original flag was adopted again.

Benin is a state in West Africa. It borders Togo to the west, Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, Nigeria to the east and the Gulf of Guinea, more precisely the Bay of Benin, to the south. See Benin Location on World Map. Until 1975 the country was called Dahomey. The name is in tradition for the historical kingdom of Dahomey. The former Kingdom of Dahomey was a colony of French West Africa until independence in 1960. In 1990, after 17 years of Marxist-Leninist one-party rule, Benin became one of the first African democracies. Since then, the country has been in a slow process of democratization.

Benin is one of the poorest countries in the world. A little more than a third of the almost ten million Beninese live below the poverty line. In rural areas in particular, poverty is particularly high at around 50 percent of the population.

Benin, one of the least developed countries in the world, faces major challenges in the years to come. These include the fight against poverty, the further decentralization of the state structure, administrative reforms, the fight against corruption and crime, the promotion of women in Benin society, the containment of AIDS and the reduction of the high population growth. In addition, there is the rehabilitation of the economy, the strengthening of the administration and an improvement in investment conditions in order to attract more foreign investors.

Against the background of the UN military intervention in Mali and its support also by the Benin government as well as Benin’s participation in the regional fight against the Boko Haram group, it cannot be ruled out that terrorist groups will be active in Benin.

Biggest Cities of Benin by Population

Benin is a small country located in West Africa, bordered by Togo, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. It has an estimated population of 11.5 million people as of 2019 and its capital city is Porto-Novo. The largest cities in Benin include Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Parakou, Djougou, and Bohicon.

Cotonou is the largest city in Benin with a population of 1.2 million people as of 2019 estimates. It is the economic hub of the country and the most populous city in the entire region. Cotonou serves as the main port for Benin’s exports and imports which makes it an important commercial center for the country’s economy. Tourists flock to Cotonou to visit its many attractions such as museums, art galleries, parks and monuments that celebrate Benin’s culture and history.

Abomey-Calavi is the second largest city in Benin with an estimated population of 500 thousand people according to 2019 estimates. The city was founded by King Agaja Trudo in 1727 who made it his royal capital at that time. Abomey-Calavi serves as a major cultural center for traditional African music which can be enjoyed at various festivals throughout the year such as Mask Festival or Voodoo Festival where visitors can experience traditional rituals performed with masks or dance performances that honor ancient gods.

Parakou is another major city located in central Benin with an estimated population of 300 thousand people according to 2019 estimates. It serves as a commercial hub for northern Benin where traders from different parts of West Africa come to buy and sell goods from local markets or stores located throughout the city center. Parakou also offers many cultural attractions such as museums like Ethnographic Museum or Mosque de Parakou that showcase Islamic culture; art galleries; theaters; and historical sites like Grand Mosque de Parakou or Fort Parakou which were built during colonial times by French settlers who used it to protect their trading posts from local tribesmen who frequently attacked them during those days..

Djougou is another major city located in northern Benin with an estimated population of 200 thousand people according to 2019 estimates. The city was founded by King Kokpon around 1650 who made it his royal capital at that time making Djougou one of oldest cities in Benin today. Tourists come here to visit its many historical sites such as Grand Mosque de Djougou built during colonial times by French settlers; ancient tombs that date back thousands years; traditional African markets where locals sell handmade items like pottery; art galleries showcasing colorful paintings depicting life on West African streets; museums like Ethnographic Museum where visitors can learn about different cultures present within this region today; and grand palaces built during pre-colonial era when kings ruled these lands..

Bohicon is another major destination for tourists visiting Benin located near Lake Nokuea which serves as a natural border between Nigeria and Benin Republic with an estimated population of 200 thousand people according to 2019 estimates . This small town offers plenty attractions worth exploring such as old churches built during colonial times when Christian missionaries came here trying to convert locals into Christianity belief system; old mosques like Grand Mosque de Bohicon dating back centuries ago when Islam first arrived here through traders coming from Middle East countries ; old palaces built during pre-colonial era when kings ruled this land; art galleries showcasing contemporary African artwork depicting scenes from everyday life on West African streets ; traditional African markets selling handmade items ;and numerous other interesting attractions worth exploring while visiting this unique part of world!

Benin: Porto Novo

According to Abbreviation Finder, the capital of Benin is called Porto Novo. This is Portuguese and means “New Port”. Porto Novo is in the south of the country. Besides her, Cotonou also plays an important role. That’s where the government sits. As a port city, Cotonou is also of great economic importance. With around 800,000 inhabitants, Cotonou is also larger than Porto Novo (270,000 inhabitants) and the largest city in the country.

Countries neighboring Benin

• Burkina Faso
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Togo