BENIN
GEOGRAPHY
The Republic of Benin a West Africa country skirting North Atlantic Ocean, is situated on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea; central to Equator and Tropic of Cancer. It is edging by Upper Volta, Togo in west, Niger and Nigeria in east. The nations reach begins in north from River Niger till southerly Atlantic Ocean covering 700 long Km.
The nation’s four topologies beginning from south to north is dwarf like altitude sandy shore region, swampy, with scattered lakes and lagoons; these have ocean connectivity. The south of the nation has plateaus 20-200m high thwart by valleys originating from north to south simultaneously with Couffo, Zou, and Oueme Rivers. A region on stony mounts with maximum height of 400m exist surrounding Nikki and Save. A movement of mountain range Atacora in north-west extends even into Togo; here Mountain Sokbaro is the highest touching 658 meters.
The economy is based on agriculture, the chief cash crop being kernels from the oil palm. Smaller acreages are cultivated with coconut palm, groundnuts, cotton, tobacco, coffee, kola, fruits, maize, and rice. It is the littlest but massively populated African nation.
Explored mineral resources include iron ore, gold, chromites, marble and limestone.
There are some roads and three railway line. Air service links the nation nationally and internationally.
Major cities is Cotonou,
The highest elevation is Atakora massif
Chief rivers are Niger, and Oueme
THE CAPITAL
Porto Nova in south-east is the capital of the nation. Its foundation was laid in the 17th century by Portuguese as a business station in connection with slave trade. The city name originates from three names such as Porto Nova, Hogbonou, and Adjatche. The city is on a shoal in the center of Yoruba region. Now it is an important business hub and rail terminus.
THE CLIMATE
Equatorial with high annual precipitation; it is scorching, and moist in the south and partially dry in north. It rains twice a year and the arid conditions prevail twice annually.
HISTORY
This august nation was once an esteemed medieval kingdom by the name of Dahomey in 1625. The Europeans such as the Portuguese, the French and the Dutch from 18th century onwards formed colonial base adjoining the shore line for slave trade. This was abolished in 1848. Dahomey was attached to France in 1893 and began functioning as an independent domain but within France in 1958. Since 1960 it is an independent country. The nomenclature of the nation changed during the socialist rule which fell between 1974 and 1989; henceforth it was called People’s Republic of Benin. The name was picked from history period of 15th-17th century. Since 1990 it is a democratic country with the name Republic of Benin.
TOURISM
Benin even though has not long ago become independent but its natural topology fauna and flora makes it a den of tourists’ joy. It has swamps, fallows, and dense jungles. Tourists throng Reserve du W du Niger and Pendjari National Park to catch glimpse of hippos, elephants, lions, buffalos, antelopes, and the mischievous monkeys. The water bird tourists’ snails through its long clean simmering sand into clean blue water of the sea to swim, wade, splash and stumble through the waves; a lot of options for holiday making. Inexperienced are advised to keep away from water as it has under currents. Horse riding is a popular event in most beaches. Visit La Crique for swim. In your sojourn see Grand Popo mount or the museums or club it with Voodoo and Fetish festivals.
Abomey once the capital of Dahomean kingdom till the concluding of 19th century has historical buildings like the tombs in good condition. The most popular place is the Royal Palace and serialized items of different rulers and their faith displayed at the museum along with curios. The courtyard of the palace is a mini textile center with weavers working on the loom the craftsmen like woodcarvers, jewelers, and metal shapers molding their goods. The products are for sale and even other items like the carvings and bronze items.
The city of Ganvie is a village on levitate of lagoon approachable only by crossing water. The lagoon is sprayed with colorful motor boats or dugouts as they are also called. There are patches of foliage in the water where it is easy not only to sight fish but to catch them as well. Tourists enjoy an overnight stay here.
Ouidah a primeval port city of 18th and 19th century for slave trade to America is visited by tourists to see Old Portuguese palace and sacred temple with pythons. It has rich crop of oranges coconuts; enjoy ample good quality fruits and drink the famous local coffee.
Allada is pioneer in voodoos; people from West Indies, Brazil and the Caribbean’s frequent the place.
Natitingou is visited for its traditional huts and the National Parks at Pendjari.
ACCOMMODATION
The staying options are moderate from a few luxury hotels to economy bed and breakfast places. There are basic amenities available at few places.
THE POPULATION
The national composition is mostly of direct African decent which includes Fon or Dahomey, Yoruba, Adja, Popo, Mina, Ewe,Yoruba, Tshabe, Itsha, Somba, and Boroba.
Religion practiced is Animist some Roman Catholics.
Language with official recognition is French; however in schools English is the second language which is learnt. People from south speak Yoruba and Fon. Other dialects popularly used are Mina, Dendi and Bariba.
The money transaction is through CFA franc
FOOD
The fundamental food comprises of mashed up starch topped with vegetable or meat or fish sauce. The source of starch can be sorghum, yam, rice, corn, millet, or manioc. Sauce may be enriched with pumpkin, tomatoes, peanuts, carrot, egg-fruit, or any other vegetable of choice. There is abundance of fruits available which the natives relish in daily meals. Palm wine and millet wine manufactured locally is consumed with food. Fish is either smoked dried or eaten as fresh catch; beef is also relished.
MUSIC
Skin Drum beats accompany celebration times. In modern times the tourists dance to the rhythmic beats of the music. Nightlife can be enjoyed at clubs bars and discotheques at Cotonou. Other cities come alive at night only during festival times.
SHOPPING
Tourists are at first taken by surprise and then plunge to buy voodoo and fetishism items. Good shopping experience can be had at Cotonou, Porto Nova, and Adjarra. Gift items popularly bought gri-gri charms, multi hued enamelware and textiles long statues, and the very attractive variety of ritual masks.. Women are lured by native bead and coral jewelry; other items included to enrich the piece are bone, wood, horn etc.
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