Benin
Geographic & General info
- Capital: Porto-Novo (seat of government: Cotonou)
- Population: approx. 13.7 million
- Languages: French (official), Fon, Yoruba, Bariba
- Area: 114,763 km²
- Time Zone: UTC+1 (WAT)
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Flag Colors: Green, yellow, red
- National Holiday: August 1
- National Anthem: L'Aube Nouvelle
- Neighboring Countries: Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria
Top 15 Largest Cities
- Cotonou
- Abomey-Calavi
- Porto-Novo
- Parakou
- Djougou
- Bohicon
- Kandi
- Lokossa
- Ouidah
- Natitingou
- Abomey
- Malanville
- Pobè
- Kérou
- Savalou
Top 15 Highlights
- Pendjari National Park
- Ganvié (the Venice of Africa)
- Royal Palaces of Abomey
- Ouidah (Voodoo capital and Route des Esclaves)
- Porto-Novo (Great Mosque and museums)
- Tata Somba fortified dwellings (Boukoumbé)
- Atakora Mountains & Kota Waterfalls
- Temple of Pythons in Ouidah
- Fondation Zinsou (Cotonou)
- Beaches of Grand-Popo
- Danxomé Historical Museum
- Amazon Statue (Cotonou)
- Tanougou Waterfalls
- Cotonou Cathedral
- Lake Ahémé
Climate and Nature
Benin features a tropical climate. The south experiences two rainy seasons (April-July and September-November), while the north has a Sudano-Sahelian climate with a single rainy season and a distinct dry period. Its landscape ranges from coastal lagoons and palm groves in the south to open savannas and the rugged Atakora Mountain range in the north.
Culture and Gastronomy
Benin is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Vodun (Voodoo) religion, which plays a core role in the national identity. Its culture is rich in traditional music, dance, and artisan crafts. Beninese cuisine is staple-based, using corn, yams, cassava, and fresh fish. Notable dishes include Kuli-kuli (peanut snack), Igname pilée (pounded yam with sauce), and Amiwo (red cornmeal porridge).
Economy
The economy of Benin relies heavily on agriculture, with cotton and cashew exports serving as primary sources of revenue. The Port of Cotonou is a major regional hub providing trade passage for landlocked neighbors like Niger. The government continues to focus on developing eco-tourism and upgrading national infrastructure.
Did you know?
- Benin is the official birthplace of Voodoo, where it has been legally recognized as a state religion since 1996 with a national holiday on January 10.
- Ganvié is Africa's largest stilt village, built on Lake Nokoué, where around 20,000 people live entirely over water.
- The kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin) possessed a famous military unit called the 'Dahomey Amazons', composed entirely of female warriors.
- The country was officially known as the Republic of Dahomey until it was renamed Benin in 1975.
- Pendjari National Park is one of the last remaining refuges in West Africa for wild elephants, lions, and cheetahs.
Live footage: Discover Benin via webcams and livestreams
Watch the most current webcams in Benin and enjoy real-time footage from beautiful locations. Whether you want to check the current weather, see the crowds at points of interest, or simply want to daydream with a livestream from Benin: our interactive map points you to the best camera viewpoints.
All webcam locations in Benin: Weather & Info
In the list below you'll find all available webcams from Benin in alphabetical order. Click on a city for the full live connection, current temperature, wind speed and local weather conditions for that specific place.
