Originally part of the Dahomey Kingdom, it is the starting point of the so-called Benin-Niger Railway, which extends northward 273 miles (439 km) into the interior but ends in the middle of Benin at Parakou.
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The majority of its population lives on the small southern coastline of the Bight of Benin, part of the Gulf of Guinea in the northernmost tropical portion of the Atlantic Ocean. The nearby stilted village of Ganvie is a short day trip from the bustle of Boulevard St. Michel and the Dan Topka market.Create a Trip to save and organize all of your travel ideas, and see them on a mapPlaces to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences.Set-it-and-forget-it annual travel insurance from $135/year. From Cotonou travelers may depart for tours of the outlying regions.
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The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo, but the seat of government is in Cotonou, the country's largest city and economic …
This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of Home to many diplomatic services and the largest population in the country, Cotonou is the de facto capital of Benin, although not the official one.
COUNTRY/REGION Cotonou
It is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the north-west, and Niger to the north-east.
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.Cotonou is the economic hub of Benin and is the country’s largest urban centre.
Its location at the crossroads between numerous neighboring countries makes it a commercial hub, instrumental in opening trade to the African interior.
Home to many diplomatic services and the largest population in the country, Cotonou is the de facto capital of Benin, although not the official one. Its location at the crossroads between numerous neighboring countries makes it a commercial hub, instrumental in opening trade to the African interior. The official capital is Porto-Novo, but Cotonou is Benin’s largest city, its chief port, and its de facto administrative capital.
Arrivals: The Government of Benin is conducting mandatory COVID-19 testing of all airline passengers arriving in Benin.
History at your fingertips
It is situated along the Gulf of Guinea.
Benin: Opposition rally in Cotonou November 3; further likely TIMEFRAME expected from 11/5/2018, 12:00 AM until 11/8/2018, 11:59 PM (Africa/Porto-Novo).
Benin was a French colony from the late 19th century until 1960.
Cotonou is Benin's capital in everything but name: a vibrant, bustling, full-on city, and very much the economic engine of Benin. Benin , officially the Republic of Benin (French: République du Bénin) and formerly known as Dahomey, is a country in West Africa.
Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport remains open, though flight options are reduced.
Its industries include brewing,
As a first port of call, it can be a little overwhelming, but life can be sweet in Cotonou, with good nightlife, great restaurants and excellent shopping (ideal for end-of-trip souvenirs).
Learn more about the history, geography, and culture of Benin in this article.
Virtually any topic for the virtual learner. Time-lapse and stop-motion video of Cotonou, Benin, by filmmaker Mayeul Akpovi.This article was most recently revised and updated by Benin, country of western Africa.