The country at a glance
Discover Benin
The cradle of vodun and of the old Kingdom of Dahomey, Benin is a country of memory and living traditions. Along a coast lined with lagoons, you travel from Cotonou to Ouidah and the Slave Route, from Porto-Novo to the lake village of Ganvié, before heading north to the palaces of Abomey and the savannas of the north.
Travel to the north of the country, including Pendjari and W national parks, is advised against. Check the travel advice of your own government and of France Diplomatie (the French foreign ministry's travel advice) before making any plans.
- Capital
- Porto-Novo (Cotonou is the seat of government)
- Languages
- French; Fon, Yoruba and national languages
- Currency
- CFA franc (BCEAO)
- When to go
- November to March
Explore Benin
Choose a place on the map to find out what there is to see.
