Fact 1: The Homeland of Voodoo
Benin is commonly referred to as the birthplace of Vodun, more popularly known as Voodoo. Although this African traditional religious practice has substantially spread across the world, especially to American continents during the era of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, its roots trace back to the West African nation of Benin, where it is still widely practiced today.
Fact 2: Unique Ethnic Diversity
Benin is a potpourri of ethnic richness. The country boasts a myriad of ethnic groups, around 42 in total, each with its unique languages, culture, and traditions. The largest ethnic group is the Fon, comprising about 40% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include the Yoruba, Bariba and Fulani among others.
Fact 3: Benin was Once Known as Dahomey
Before its current name, Benin was formerly known as Dahomey, one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa from the 15th to the 19th Century. It was renamed Benin in 1975, inspired by the Bight of Benin, the body of water on the country’s southern coastline.
Fact 4: Palaces of Abomey
The Royal Palaces of Abomey are a UNESCO World Heritage site and were the residential and administrative centers of the historically powerful Dahomey Kingdom. This historical site spans a total of 47 hectares and is adorned with bas reliefs depicting the kingdom’s rich history and wars.
Fact 5: Historical Female Soldiers
The Dahomey Kingdom was known for its regiment of female soldiers, known as the Dahomey Amazons. They were renowned warriors, serving as the king's bodyguards and playing key roles in wars. They were the only documented frontline female troops in modern warfare history.
Fact 6: A Significant Slave Trade Port
Benin was a significant player in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. The coastal town of Ouidah was one of the busiest slave ports under the Dahomey Kingdom. Today, the Route des Esclaves or Slave Route leading out to the beach commemorates the victims who were shipped to the Americas.
Fact 7: France Remains a Key Influence
Benin was a French colony and gained its independence on August 1, 1960. Despite independence, France still influences many aspects of Benin life, from education to administration. The official language of Benin is French, and the country is a member of the Francophonie (international organization of French-speaking countries).
Fact 8: Rich in Street Art
Benin has a vibrant graffiti scene with murals adorning numerous public spaces. Street art is considered a legitimate art form, telling stories of Benin’s history, culture, political statements, and showcasing artistic talent.
Fact 9: Unique Flag Meaning
The national flag of Benin consists of three color stripes – green, yellow, and red. The green represents hope and revival; yellow represents the wealth of the country, and the red signifies the courage of ancestors.
Fact 10: Gate of No Return
Benin is home to the "Gate of No Return". Located at the end of the Slave Route in Ouidah, it memorializes the estimated millions who were taken from the country to serve as slaves in the Americas and the Caribbean.
Fact 11: Pendjari National Park
The Pendjari National Park, named after the Pendjari River, is one of the last sanctuaries for wildlife in West Africa. It hosts a significant number of West Africa’s remaining wildlife including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a wide range of bird species.
Fact 12: Renowned Music Festivals
Benin has a vibrant music scene. The Festival International de Musique du Bénin (FIMUB) is a renowned music festival hosted in the country. It focuses on showcasing local musicians and local traditional music genres.
Fact 13: Traditional Beninese Diet
The diet in Benin primarily consists of staple foods like maize, yams, beans, and rice. Palm fruits are also widely consumed, with palm oil being a common ingredient in many traditional dishes.
Fact 14: Fetish Markets
Benin is well known for its fetish markets, the most famous of which is the Akodessewa Fetish Market in Lomé. These markets sell symbolic items used in voodoo ceremonies, from dried animal parts to statues and more.
Fact 15: Significant Culturally UNESCO Sites
Aside from the Royal Palaces of Abomey, Benin has also another World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. The Pendjari National Park, shared with Burkina Faso, is a significant cultural landscape overflowing with diverse species.
Fact 16: Marine Boulevard
Marine Boulevard stretches along the Atlantic Coast of Cotonou, providing a relaxing escape with its beautiful beaches, excellent palm trees, and a bustling market selling seafood, local crafts, and aesthetic artifacts.
Fact 17: Ganvie, The Venice of Africa
Ganvie is a unique village built entirely on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoué. It is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of Africa”. The entirety of the village’s economy and life revolves around the lake, including fishing and tourism.
Fact 18: Democratic Political Structure
Benin is regarded as one of Africa's most stable democracies. It has a history of peaceful transitions of power and is often held as a model of democratic governance on the continent.
Fact 19: World’s Largest Ship Cemetery
Nouveau Sogbadji in Cotonou, Benin is home to the largest ship cemetery in the world. The cemetery is host to hundreds of discarded ships from various parts of the world, making it a very unique sight for all who visit!
Fact 20: Home to a Living Sacred Forest
The Sacred Forest of Kpasse, located in Ouidah, is one of the most unusual attractions of Benin. Open to the public, this forest hosts dozens of bronze statues representing the pantheon of Vodun gods and is said to be inhabited by the spirit of King Kpasse, who turned himself into a tree when he died.