In the political capital Porto-Novo, around 250,000 people live, while in Cotonou, the seat of government and economic hub of Benin, there are significantly more residents, with roughly one million inhabitants. Benin’s population is made up of various ethnic groups. The Fons account for 40% of the population, alongside other groups such as the Adjas, Yorubas, and Baribas. The languages spoken vary locally, though French is the official language. Around 35% of Benin’s population adheres to Christianity. Islam and Voodoo, as a traditional religion, are also widely practiced.
Highlights in Benin
In the south of the country, palm-fringed beaches draw visitors, while in the north, numerous nature reserves attract tourists. Due to its long and rich history, Benin also boasts many cultural and historical landmarks. These include the old royal palace in Abomey, once the capital of the Fon kingdom, the stilt village with its floating market in Ganvie, and the 18th-century Temple of the Sacred Python in Ouidah.
Benin is home to two national parks: the W National Park and the Pendjari National Park. The wildlife protected in these parks is diverse for West Africa. In the Pendjari National Park, there are accommodation options available for tourists from around December to June.
Location and Climate of Benin
Benin shares borders with Niger and Burkina Faso to the north, Nigeria to the east, and Togo to the west. To the south, the country has a coastline of around 121 kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean. In the north, the climate is hot and humid from November to May. The rainy season in this region begins in June and ends in September. The southern climate is marked by two dry and two rainy seasons. The dry seasons run from November to May and from July to September, while the rainy seasons last from May to July and from September to December. The best time to visit this region is from December to March and from July to August, when average temperatures hover around 27°C. The north of the country is best visited from December to April.
Getting There and Entry Requirements
Benin’s international airport is located a few kilometres outside the city of Cotonou. There are no direct flights from Germany; a flight from Frankfurt am Main or Vienna usually connects via Paris and Tripoli. It is also possible to reach Porto-Novo by ship from Lagos. The country is accessible by car or bus from all its neighbouring countries.
German citizens require a valid visa to enter Benin, which should be applied for well in advance, as visas are not issued to tourists at the airport or border crossings. To apply for a visa, you will need, among other documents, your flight ticket, a valid passport, and proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination. This vaccination is mandatory for all travellers aged one year and older. The yellow fever vaccination certificate will also be checked upon arrival at the airport.
