This tiny West Africa country famed for its wooden masks, tapestries and pottery, has an intriquing voodoo culture and fetish markets that may raise an eyebrow as high as its stilted villages.
20 March 2008
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.