About Benin

Introduction, The Republic of Benin
Things to see and do
Important Tourist Information
Facts

Introduction, The Republic of Benin

Benin is situated in West Africa on the northern coast of the Gulf of Guinea. It has land borders on the north by Niger, on the east by Nigeria, on the west by Togo, and on the northwest by Burkina Faso.

The country we refer to as Benin today was once the powerful Kingdom of Danhomey (Dahomey). It was eventually nicknamed the Slave Coast because of the significant trafficking of Africans through Danhomey to the Americas, specifically to the slave markets of Brazil and the Caribbean. It was transformed into the French Colony Danhomey in the late 1800s, finally gaining its full independence from France in 1960. The country's current name (Benin) was adopted in 1975.

As a new democracy, the brightside is that Benin's economy is growing and tourism is on the increase, especially along the coastal areas, and in the national wildlife parks of the north.


Things to see and do in Porto-Novo:

Ethnographicue Museum of Porto Novo (Historical Museum)

Jardin Place Jean Bayol (Town Center/Plaza/Garden)

da Silva Museum (Historical Museum)

Musee Honme/Palais Royal (Castle)

Adjarra Handicraft Market

Things to see and do in Cotonou:

Artisanal Center (Art gallery)

Marché Dantokpa (International Street Market)

Fidjrosse Beach

Things to see and do in Ouidah:

Museé d'Histoire de Ouidah (Voodoo Museum)

Sacred Forest/the Route of the Slaves

Things to see and do in Natitingou:

Le Musée d'Art et de Traditions Populaires (Museum)

Things to see and do in Atakora::

Pendjari National Park

W Park


Important Tourist Information:

For some European countries, visas are not required (France, Germany, Denmark, Italy and Sweden).

Health & Security: International Vaccination Certificate or World Health Organization card are required

Two vaccinations are required to enter Benin: Yellow Fever and Cholera.

The average traveller will also need to be immunized against Hepatitis and Typhoid.
Also consider protection against tuberculosis, tetanus, meningitis, polio and malaria.

Drink bottled water only, unless it has been boiled (at least 3 minutes).
Or purify water with iodine tablets.
Try and avoid ice, you can not be sure it has been made from boiled water.

Traveling within Benin:
Within most towns/villages, you'll find motorcycle-taxis called 'Zemidjans'.
You'll recognize the drivers by their colored shirts, and are by far the fastest, most convenient, cheapest way to travel from place to place within a city, or between neighboring cities and towns.
The quality of drivers and motorbikes, however, varies greatly, and breakdowns are not uncommon.
Be sure to discuss price with your driver before getting on the bike. (Travel within Cotonou, for example can range from 100-200 CFA).

Currency: West African CFA (XOF).

Current Currency Rate (02-12-2008):
1000 CFA	=	1,53 Euro
1 Euro	=	653,59 CFA
1000 CFA	=	1,93 US Dollar
1 US Dollar	=	518,13 CFA

You can change money at the airport upon arrival.
There are a variety of banks in Cotonou that will change money and travellers checks, including Ecobank, Financial Bank and Bank of Africa. Financial Bank will also let you withdraw money on your Visa card.

Most banks are open from 08:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 03:00 to 05:00 p.m. during weekdays.
Credit cards are not widely accepted, except at the upscale hotels and some restaurants in larger cities.

Communications: The postal service is fairly reliable in Benin and widely available in Benin.
Making an overseas phone call is easy from Cotonou, although expensive. You may encounter
difficulties phoning from public telephones.
Some internet cafes with e-mail service are available in the big cities (and in our hotel, see the 'About Benin Marina Hotel' section of our website.

Electricity: 220 V


Facts:

Official Name: Republic of Benin

Population: approx. 7 Million

Capital: Porto-Novo

Largest Cities: Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Parakou

Languages: French (official), Tribal Languages (such as Yoruba, Fon, Bariba, Adja, Ayizo, Ditammari, Goun, Tem, Peul and Dendi).

Currency: CFA Franc

Banking hours: 08:00 to 11:00 & 15:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday.

Climate: Tropical (Hot, Humid in the south/Semiarid in the north)

Religions: Christian, Muslim, traditional beliefs

Land Area: Around 112,620 km²

Coastline: 121 km

Highest Point Mt. Sokbaro (658 m)

Lowest Point Atlantic Ocean (Sea Level)

Departments: Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau and Zou.

National Day: 1 August