Travel Information Benin

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Travel map of Benin by the tour operator Overcross

1. General travel information about Benin
2. Travel climate in Benin
3. Geography of Benin
4. Flora and fauna in Benin
5. National parks and nature conservation in Benin
6. Population in Benin
7. Politics and economy in Benin
8. Transport network in Benin
9. Cities and regions in Benin
10. Culture and sights in Benin
11. Public holidays in Benin
12. Medical information for Benin
13. Travel advice for Benin
14. Foreign representation in Benin
15. Sources for Benin

1. General travel information about Benin

Continent: Africa
Geographical location: Central Africa, located north of the equator
Highest point: Mont Sokbaro (658 m above sea level)
Longest river: Niger (approx. 4184 km, of which 111 km through Benin)
Form of government: Republic
System of government: Presidential democracy
Languages: French
Neighboring countries: Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso and Niger
Capital: Porto-Novo
Area: approx. 112,622 km²
Population: approx. 12,120,000 people (2023)
Population density: 107 inhabitants per km²
Religions: Christians 42%, Muslims 27%, 23% traditional and African natural religions, minorities Bahai, Moon and Eckankar
Currency: CFA Franc BCEAO
Climate: subtropical to equatorial climate
Time zone: UTC + 1
Dialing code: +229
Country code: DY/BJ/RB
Electricity: In Benin, sockets of type E (CEE 7/5) are used. The mains voltage is 3 x 220V with 50Hz AC frequency. A travel plug adapter is recommended.

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2. Travel climate in Benin

In Benin, two climate zones are distinguished. A southern zone with equatorial climate and two wet and two dry seasons, and a northern, subtropical climate zone with only one dry and one rainy season.

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3. Geography of Benin

Benin borders Burkina Faso to the northwest, Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Niger to the north. The southern border is formed by the coast on the Gulf of Guinea

4. Flora and fauna in Benin

The predominant vegetation type in Benin is the savanna. Benin is part of two vegetation zones, the Sudan zone and the Guinea zone, and lies in an almost forest-free corridor between the Upper Guinean and Congolese rainforests, the Dahomey Gap.
Benin's wildlife includes, among others, elephants, leopards, lions, antelopes, monkeys, wild boars, crocodiles, buffaloes, and many types of snakes, such as pythons and puff adders. Birds include guinea fowl, wild ducks and partridges as well as many tropical species.

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5. National Parks and Nature Conservation in Benin

In addition to a large number of protected forest areas, Benin has two official national parks, which are simultaneously parts of the cross-border W-Arly-Pendjari National Park complex.

W National Park

W National Park covers an area of 5020 km² and is the larger national park in Benin.

Pendjari National Park

Pendjari National Park is located in northern Benin on the border with Niger and covers an area of 2755 km².

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6. Population in Benin

In 2023, Benin had about 12.1 million inhabitants, most of whom live in the agricultural coastal region and the area extending about 200 km inland.
About 39.2% of Benin's total population belong to the Fon, 15.2% of the inhabitants are Adja. 12.3% of the population, mainly in the east, speak Yoruboid languages, meaning they are part of the Yoruba and similar ethnic groups. The formerly sovereign Bariba make up 9.2% of the population. The Fulbe, found throughout the Sudan zone, form a large minority at 7%. The Otamari make up 6.1% of Benin's population. Yoa-Lokpa and related peoples constitute 4%, and the Dendi in the north make up a small minority of 2.5% of the inhabitants. In addition, there are members of the Atakora group

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7. Politics and Economy in Benin

According to the 1990 constitution, Benin is a multi-party republic. The president, who is directly elected for no more than two consecutive five-year terms, is both head of state and government. The legislature is carried out by the National Assembly, whose members are elected for a term of four years.

Benin is one of the poorest countries in the world. The country’s economy is largely shaped by agriculture and the economic activity at the seaport of Cotonou.

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8. Transport network in Benin

The road network in Benin is about 16,000 km and consists mainly of tracks, many of which are impassable during the rainy season. Only the main north-south axes and the coastal road are paved. Benin has right-hand traffic.

Benin has a 578 km long metre-gauge railway network which stretches from the coast to Parakou

The most important airports in Benin are located in Bohicon, Cotonou, Djougou and Kandi

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9. Cities and Regions in Benin

Benin is divided into twelve departments:

Alibori
The provincial capital Kandi has about 1,050,000 inhabitants

Atakora
The provincial capital Natitingou has about 860,000 inhabitants

Atlantique
The provincial capital Ouidah has about 1.6 million inhabitants

Borgou
The provincial capital Parakou has about 1.5 million inhabitants

Collines
The provincial capital Dogbo-Tota has about 790,000 inhabitants

Donga
The provincial capital Kandi has about 620,000 inhabitants

Littoral
The provincial capital Cotonou has about 1,020,000 inhabitants

Monon
The provincial capital Lokossa has about 580,000 inhabitants

Ouémé
The provincial capital Porto-Novo has about 1.3 million inhabitants

Plateau
The provincial capital Sakété has about 700,000 inhabitants

Zou
The provincial capital Abomey has about 1,020,000 inhabitants

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10. Culture and Sights in Benin

The main attractions of Benin include the two national parks and nature reserves, which not only offer fascinating insights into Benin's animal and plant world but also the spectacular landscapes of the country.

Traditional handicrafts are practiced in virtually every village in Benin. The most important is the plastic arts. Carved wooden masks, depicting images and spirits of the deceased, are used for traditional ceremonies. Other works of art include bronze statuettes, pottery, appliquéd wall hangings that tell the history of the kings of pre-colonial Dahomey, as well as pyrography on wooden bowls, which often have religious significance. Probably the most famous art objects are the wooden masks of the Yoruba from the Porto-Novo region, which are used for the Gelede festival..

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11. Public holidays with fixed dates in Benin

12. Medical Information for Benin

Medical care in Benin is far below European standards in both the public and private sectors. Emergency medical care is – even in larger cities – not guaranteed.
Since January 2023, over 80 Lassa virus infections have been registered in Benin. The main area affected is Borgou (but also la Donga, Collines, l’Ouémé, le Plateau and le Littoral).
In Benin there is an increased risk of malaria throughout the country and throughout the year. Consultation with a specialist in tropical medicine with prophylaxis is urgently recommended before traveling.
In all waters of Benin, there is a risk of infection with bilharzia when swimming. Bathing, diving, and any other water sports in lakes and rivers should therefore be strictly avoided. Additionally, infections with meningococci can lead to meningitis.
The Foreign Office recommends checking and completing standard vaccinations for children and adults in accordance with the current vaccination schedule of the Robert Koch Institute before traveling.
Further information: www.auswaertiges-amt.de

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13. Travel Information for Benin

To enter Benin, a passport valid for at least 6 months and a visa are required. There is the option of applying for an e-Visa. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required upon entry.
To drive a motor vehicle in Benin, an international driving license in conjunction with the national driving license is required.
Homosexual acts, unnatural sexual practices, prostitution, and the possession of pornographic materials are punishable and can be prosecuted with long prison sentences.
Photography of military and other security-relevant facilities in Benin is strictly prohibited. In general, care should be taken when photographing in Benin and permission should be asked from people.
The import and export of the national currency and other currencies is unlimited.
Current customs regulations can be obtained from the Embassy of Benin in Germany.

current safety advice from Federal Foreign Office

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14. Foreign Mission in Benin

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

Head: Achim Tröster, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador

Location: Cotonou

Telephone: +229 21 31 29 67, +229 21 31 29 68 for emergencies: +229 97 97 70 01

Fax: +229 21 31 29 62

Postal address: Ambassade de la République fédérale d'Allemagne, 01 B.P. 504, Cotonou, Benin

Street address: 1438, Avenue Pape Jean Paul II, Cotonou

Area of responsibility/Consular district: Zambia

Website:http://www.cotonou.diplo.de

E-mail: [email protected]

Official languages in the host country: French

Embassy of the Republic of Benin, Englerallee 23, 14195 Berlin
Telephone: +49 30 23 63 14 70 or: +49 30 23 63 14 713
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ambassade-benin.de

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15. Sources on Benin

German Weather Service
Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany
Wikipedia

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