Guide to Benin

Name: The Republic of Benin - (not to be confused with the Kingdom of Benin). Formerly known as Dahomey until 1975 but now named after the body of water on which the country lies, the Bight of Benin.

Location: Western Africa bordering Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and Togo

Population: 7.1 million (UN, 2005)

Capital: Porto-Novo

Major Cities: Cotonou (seat of government), Parakou, Djougou.

Area: 112,622 sq km (43,484 sq miles)

Major languages: French (official) Fon, Ge, Bariba, Yoruba, Dendi

Major religions: Indigenous beliefs, Christianity, Islam

Life expectancy: 53 years (men), 54 years (women) (UN)

Currency: 1 CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc = 100 centimes

Internet domain: .bj

International dialling code: +229

Climate: Tropical, hot, humid in south, semi-arid in the north

Time Zone: GMT -1

Flying time: 6 hours from Paris

Airport: Contonou International Airport. There are no flights from the UK to Benin. Air France offers flights to Cotonou.

Entry/Visa: A visa is required prior to entering Benin. Benin is represented in the UK by an Honorary Consul, Mr Lawrence Landau.  Visas can be obtained from the Honorary Consulate: Millenium House, Humber Road, Near Staples Corner, London, NW2 6DW; Tel: +44 (0) 20 8830 8612; Fax:  +44 (0) 20 7435 0665; E-mail:  l.landau@btinternet.com

Health: You should seek medical advice before travel to Benin. Waterborne diseases (including cholera), HIV/Aids, tuberculosis, meningitis and malaria are prevalent in Benin.

20 March 2008