Why visit
Benin is the historic heart of vodun (voodoo) and the former Dahomey kingdom. Ouidah's Door of No Return, the royal palaces of Abomey, and the stilt village of Ganvié carry serious history within a compact coastal country.
Country - Africa
Benin
culturenatureadventure
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Benin works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Porto-Novo as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Benin.
At a glance
Location
9.5°, 2.3°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
112,622 km²
43,484 mi²
Country population
13.8 million
122/km²
Subregion
Western Africa
Currency
West African CFA franc (Fr)
XOF
Dial
+229
Language
French
Demonym
Beninese
Internet
.bj
UN
Member state
ISO code
BJ / BEN
Where in the world
9.5° - 2.3°
Benin
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Benin was the birthplace of Vodun (Voodoo): still practiced as a recognized state religion by millions.
- Abomey, the former royal capital, is a UNESCO site famous for its royal palaces of the Kingdom of Dahomey.
- Ouidah was one of the major ports of the Atlantic slave trade: its "Gate of No Return" monument commemorates those taken.
Bordering Benin
Traveler notes
- Ganvié is a 20,000-person village built entirely on stilts in Lake Nokoué
- The Abomey royal palaces are UNESCO-listed
- The annual Vodun Festival in Ouidah falls on January 10
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Porto-Novo, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Benin
What is the capital of Benin?
Porto-Novo is the capital of Benin.
What currency does Benin use?
Benin uses the West African CFA franc (Fr), ISO code XOF.
What languages are spoken in Benin?
The primary language is French.
Is Benin landlocked?
No, Benin has a coastline.
What countries border Benin?
Benin borders Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Togo.
What is the international calling code for Benin?
The calling code is +229.
When is the best time to visit Benin?
Nov–Feb. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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