Benin is a country in Africa, located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. It occupies a relatively small area of 112.6 thousand square kilometers. It was once a powerful empire known as the Kingdom of Dahomey. And in our time, you can find a large number of ruins left from the once majestic palaces and temples. About where the country of Benin is located, about the history and people of this region, and will be discussed in this article.
Location
The state is located in West Africa. In the east it borders with Nigeria, in the north with Niger and Burkina Faso, in the west it adjoins Togo, and the southern coast is washed by the Gulf of Guinea. The country of Benin (photo) has five natural regions:
● coastal area;
● plateau zone;
● fertile plain located in the northeast;
●lands covered with wooded savanna;
● hilly area in the northwest.
Climatic conditions
The territory of the country is located in two zones: in the southern regions it is equatorial, and in the northern regions it is subequatorial. In the south, the rainy season occurs twice a year: the first - from April to mid-July, and the second - from mid-September to the end of October. In the northern part of the country, heavy precipitation falls in March-October.
In the south, the air temperature fluctuates between +24-27 ⁰C, and in the north - 25-32 ⁰C. The most comfortable time here is from November to February inclusive. At this time, there is relatively low humidity and moderate air temperature.
History
By the 15th century, the territory of the modern country of Benin was inhabited by several nationalities at once, among which the most numerous were the Gurma, Barba, Aja and Fon tribes. With the arrival of the Portuguese on the African continent, an active slave trade developed here. Following them, trading posts of the British, French and Dutch began to appear on the banks of Benin. Soon, with the support of the local Fon tribe, this land began to turn into one of the largest slave markets in all of Africa. Together with the Portuguese, they actively traded people from neighboring tribes, selling them into slavery to European merchants.
With the support of the colonialists, the background tribe formed the state of Dahomey, the coastal part of which became known as the Slave Coast. At the same time, the first cities of the country were founded - Ouida and Porto-Novo, and its capitalbecame Abomey. According to some reports, at least 10-20 thousand people were taken from Dahomey into slavery every year.
As you know, by the middle of the 19th century, almost all European countries officially banned slavery in their territories. By the end of the same century, the French had already completely controlled the state of Dahomey, turning it into their colony. Most of the local leaders accepted the new government, which subsequently made them into high-ranking officials.
Independent Republic
Until 1960, Dahomey was still a French colony, and after independence became a presidential republic. This led to the fact that the country began to shake numerous military coups. From 1960 to 1972, power changed nine times. As a result of the last, fourth military coup, the leadership of the country was taken over by Major Mathieu Kerekou, who began to form a socialist state according to the Chinese principle. In 1975, instead of Dahomey, a new country appeared on the world map - the People's Republic of Benin.
In the late 80s of the last century, the French managed to convince the government to move away from the socialist concept of building a society in exchange for their financial support. After that, a multi-party system was introduced in the country of Benin, and two years later, free elections were held here for the first time. As a result of the people's will, Nicephore Soglo came to power. His policies led to a significant deterioration in the economy and the devaluation of the national currency. The 1996 elections were won by the formerhead of state Matthieu Kerekou, who ruled for the next ten years. Despite scandals and allegations of corruption, under him order and stability reigned in the country of Benin. President Yai Boni has been in power since 2006.
Population
About sixty African tribes live here. The most numerous of them are the Fon (40%), then the Aja (15%) and finally the Yoruba (12%). The main part of the country's population professes Christianity (43%). Muslims here make up only 24%.
Regarding religion, it is worth noting one very important detail. The peculiarity of the country of Benin lies in the fact that here 18% of believers are fans of the voodoo cult. The fact is that this belief arose precisely here, and from here it has already spread throughout the world with the help of slaves exported outside the Kingdom of Dahomey. The official state language is French, but local languages are also used along with it.
Heart of the country
The capital of Benin is the city of Porto-Novo with a population of no more than 270 thousand people. Here is the presidential palace, as well as the building where the National Assembly sits. In addition, the capital has a botanical garden, several museums and research institutes.
There is a beautiful royal palace in Porto-Novo. Now it is called the Honme Museum, and once it was the residence of Roy Toffa, the King of Benin. This is a great place to see with your own eyes how African monarchs used to live. ATThe Ethnographic Museum of the capital has an excellent collection of valuables that once belonged to various peoples who lived in Benin. It consists of ancient musical instruments, ancient amulets, masks, clothes and other items that tell about the rich history of this state.
