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USAfrica Research Information
Benin is situated in West Africa and is bounded to the east by Nigeria, to the north by Niger and Burkina Faso, and to the west by Togo. Benin stretches 700km (435 miles) from the Bight of Benin to the Niger River. The coastal strip is sandy with coconut palms. Beyond the lagoons of Porto Novo, Nokoue, Ouidah and Grand Popo is a plateau rising gradually to the heights of the Atakora Mountains. From the highlands run two tributaries of the Niger, while southwards the Ouémé flows down to Nokoue lagoon. Mono River flows into the sea at Grand Popo and forms a frontier with Togo.
Benin is once again making a name for itself as it embraces democracy with characteristic fervor and is catapulted onto the African stage as a model of reform. Benin is the birthplace of voodoo (voodoo museums of Ouidah). Voodoo ceremonies can be colorful events, involving feverish drumming and highly charged dancing by costumed fetish priests.
Economy:
The economy of Benin is dependent on subsistence production of maize, yams, cassava, rice, fruits and beans. The country’s main exports are cotton, palm oil products, , coffee, crude oil and cocoa beans. Recent years have seen an increase in exports of cotton and services related to transit trade. But the country’s productive capacity is severely compromised by the under-utilization and misuse of existing technical expertise. In Cotonou along the marina are many stalls selling handicrafts and souvenirs. The Dan Tokpa market borders the Cotonou Lagoon and is stocked with many goods from Nigeria and elsewhere as well as traditional medicines and artifacts. Crafts and local goods can be purchased in many towns and villages elsewhere, particularly in markets. Good buys include ritual masks, tapestries, elongated statues and pottery.
History:
Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, was a French colony from 1902 until it achieved independence in 1960. Military officers led by Mathieu Kerekou took power in 1972, proclaiming a " Marxist-Leninist" state and changing the country’s name. Benin renounced Marxist policies by the end of 1989 and in the following year became a multi-party democracy. Prime Minister Nicephere Soglo defeated Mr. Kerekou to become President in the March 1991 election. However, Mr. Kerekou was returned to office in the next election of 1996. Benin has embarked on a path of democracy which is a model in Africa. Presidential elections in both 1991 and 1996 saw a peaceful transfer of power. Increased freedom of the press and strengthening of civil society institutions have reinforced the country’s democratic tendencies. The continuation of market-oriented economic policies after the 1996 election of President Kerekou has strengthened reforms by demonstrating the broad political consensus around such policies.
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