Capital
Porto-Novo
Population
13.0M
Currency
West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Best Time to Visit
November–March
#45
World Tourism Rank
0.16%
of World Land Area
2
UNESCO Sites
4
Neighboring Countries
Nationalities not listed above may require a visa. Always verify with official sources before travel.
⚠️ Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify with official government sources before travel.
Recommended: November–March
Benin is the birthplace of voodoo (Vodun), and January 10th is a national holiday celebrating the religion.
The Royal Palaces of Abomey were the seat of the powerful Dahomey Kingdom, famous for its all-female warrior regiment, the Amazons.
Benin is where voodoo began, and the spiritual energy in Ouidah during the annual festival is unforgettable.
- A traveler on visiting Benin
Benin is a West African nation with profound cultural significance as the birthplace of voodoo and the historic Kingdom of Dahomey. The Royal Palaces of Abomey, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Route des Esclaves in Ouidah preserve the complex history of the slave trade and powerful African kingdoms. Pendjari National Park in the north is one of West Africa's best wildlife reserves, home to elephants, lions, and hippos.
Must-see attractions, landmarks, and hidden gems
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