Why Benin Should Be Your Next Travel Destination: Culture, Cuisine, and More

Benin

Benin Capital: Porto-Novo

Benin Dialing code: +229

Benin Airport code: BNI, DNBE

Benin Continent: Africa

Benin Area: 44,310 sq mi  (114,763 km2)

Benin Currency: West African CFA franc

Benin Official Language: French

Benin Population: 10.5 Million (Approx.)

Benin National Day: 1 August

Benin National Animal: leopards

Benin National Bird:  No official

Benin National Fruit: No official

Benin National Flower: No official

Benin National Tree: Palm tree

Benin National Sport: Football

Benin Time zone: UTC +1 ( GMT +1)

Benin Driving side: Right side of the road

 

Benin Flag:

Green represents Agriculture, Yellow represents wealth and savannas, and red represents all parts of the country.

Culture of Benin:

The majority of Benin's rich and diverse culture. Their culture is mixed with French influence, and the Vodun religion culture.  Benin is a resource-rich, lower-middle-income, food-deficit country in some areas. One religion in Benin the majority Christianity, Islam, and Vodun.

The people are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors. Mixed with French cultural influences it attracts visitors.  Benin is full of West African countries.

Must visit places in Benin:

Ouidah

Cotonou

Temple des Pythons

Fidjrossè Beach

Traditional Festivals in Benin:

Ugie Ivie

Zangbeto Ceremony

Ague

Igue Festival

Benin Must-try Foods:

Aloko

Dahomey fish stew

Peanut soup

Djewo recipe

Weather in Benin:

Benin has two seasons Dry and rainy. Dry December-March. Rainy April-July.

Economics of Benin:

Benin is more dependent on agriculture. Its GDP is $21 billion (approximately), ranking it 130th in the world. This country has 54% debt.  Benin main income source is agricultural products.

Benin imports Petroleum, Motorcycles, Food, vehicles, and Wadding. Its exports are Cotton, Cashew, Refined Petroleum, and Palm oil.

Benin export and import partners, India, China, Vietnam, Chad, USA, UAE, and Nigeria are also partners.

Sports in Benin:

Football is the most popular and national sport in Benin. Football, Basketball, Volleyball, ice hockey, Cycling, and soccer are popular sports in Benin.

Transport in Benin:

How many airports in Benin:

There are 6 airports including international, private, and domestic. Cotonou International Airport is the biggest airport in Benin.

Benin's main public transport modes include roads, airlines, rail, and waterways. These are low-cost ways to get around.

How many countries travel without visas to Benin?

There are 35 countries without visas. It grants 15 e-visas and 27 on-arrival visas. A visa is required for 149 countries.

 Benin passport ranks 67th in the world.

Defense in Benin:

 Benin is the safest country in the world. Army Benin Navy Benin Air Force National Gendarmerie has limited powers of 5000 (approx...) active duty personnel, and people protecting their country. $0.10 Billion approx. budget of defense. The rank of defense in the world is 140.

Nuclear-free country.

5 Interesting Facts about Benin:

Benin is home to the "Venice of Africa"

The practice of Vodun originated in Benin

Benin has one of the youngest populations in the world

Benin’s south coast was once the ‘slave coast’

Voodoo originated in Benin