43 Important Facts About Benin

Last updated on March 3rd, 2020

25. Crime rate is low in the country. However, theft is a problem and many wealthier homeowners generally hire a night watchman.

26. The red color on its flag symbolizes courage, yellow stands for wealth and green symbolizes hope and revival.

27. The southern part of the country receives heavy rainfall and produces more vegetation as compared to the other parts of the country.

28. Hubert Maga was elected as the first president of Benin.

29. Benin is also home to Fulani herders who move their livestock over long distances in search of grass. These herders are locally known as the Peul.

Facts about Benin’ culture, people, slaves and health care

30. There is at least one open-air market in every town of the country.

31. People generally eat rice, vegetables, and meat. Food is prepared at least twice a day. A variety of fish is eaten in the south while beef is more popular in the north.

32. In the country’s culture, it is considered bad to eat with the left hand or offer another person something with it.

33. Upon entering or leaving an appointment, it is appropriate to shake the hand of each person present.

34. Young Beninese like to eat packaged food items that are mostly imported. They perceive their traditional diet as monotonous and like to eat imported food, instead.

35. AIDS is a major concern in the country and it is straining the health care system.

36. With over twelve thousand students enrolled, the University of Benin in Cotonou is the only post secondary institution in the country.

37. Because of the extreme heat during the summers in the country, the people wear jackets even when the temperature in near 20 degrees on plus.

38. White persons visiting the country are referred to as “yovo”. Do not be surprised to find people and kids shouting this word behind you if you happen to visit the country. The people, however, are very friendly and lively.

39. The capital of Benin, Porto-Novo is also known as Adjatche and Hogbonou.

40. People of the country do not like to be photographed. They believe that a photograph can be used to cast a sell or a course.

41. The country is famous the world over for carved wood masks.

42. Though Benin has a long history with slavery, slaves in the region were treated very well.

43. While being very poor, Benin is also one of the most politically stable countries in the West Africa.

Benin – the country at a glance