Benin

West Africa, Benin
Benin

People from Benin are called:

Male/General:

Beninese

Pronunciation:

/ˌbɛnɪˈniːz/

Quick Facts

Population:
13,352,864 (2024 est.)
Country:
Benin
Region:
West Africa

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Etymology & Origin

Named after the Bight of Benin, which was named after the Benin Empire, from the Yoruba word 'ile-ibinu' meaning 'land of vexation'.

About Benin

  • Capital city: Porto-Novo (constitutional), Cotonou (largest city and economic center).
  • Birthplace of the Vodun (Voodoo) religion.
  • Known for its role in the Atlantic slave trade and rich cultural heritage.
  • Stable democracy with growing cotton and palm oil industries.

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