Benin Travel, Attractions, Tourism

Benin is a seaside country with long and moving history, and wild nature. Former kingdom of Dahomey with prosperous slave trading has established relations with Europe since the 15th century. Becoming French colony in 1892, Benin was granted autonomy in 1958. Current president Mathieu Kérékou established Marxist government in 1972 after a military coup, yet in 1992, he became the first black president in Africa to step down after election – in that time, Benin was already a democracy. He returned to power in 1996 elections.

Benin is a country in West Africa and is bordered to the east by Nigeria, to the north by Niger and Burkina Faso, and to the west by Togo. The coast is sandy with coconut palms. And beyond the lagoons is a plateau rising gradually to the heights of the Atakora Mountains. The official language is French but different tribes have their own languages. It is customary to shake hands on arrival and departure. Religious beliefs play a large part in society. Casual wear is acceptable in most places.