Benin was once called Dahomey. It first acquired the name “Benin” in 1975 which derives from the Bight of Benin – a bay lying off Africa’s west coast within the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.
In Benin, it’s considered respectful to shake everyone’s hand when entering or leaving a room. However, eating or greeting people with the left hand is inhibited.
Benin is in Western Africa, with a population of 11.73 million people. Its capital is Porto-Novo, and the currency is XOF. The language spoken in Benin is French.
They celebrate many holidays including:
- New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
- Traditional Day (Jan 10)
- Easter Monday (Date varies)
- Labour Day (May 1)
- Ascension Day (Date varies)
- Eid al-Fitr (Date varies)
- Whit Monday (Date varies)
- Eid al-Adha (Date varies)
- Independence Day (Aug 1)
- Assumption Day (Aug 15)
- Prophet’s Birthday (Date varies)
- All Saints’ Day (Nov 1)
- Christmas Day (Dec 25)
It has 2 world heritage sites:
It also has 2 national parks:
Want to learn more? Check out Benin’s tourism website.
Also check out the Benin City National Museum and the Ouidah Museum of History (Portuguese Fort).
fun activities to do
To download the flag and map:
- Click on the image
- Right-click and select Save Image As…