Officially name: The Republic of Benin
Capital: Porto-Novo
Largest city: Cotonou
Official language: French
Government: Multiparty democracy
Benin's climate is hot and humid. Annual rainfall in the coastal area averages 1,360 mm (53.5 in), not particularly high for coastal West Africa.
Choukachou or "chouk" is a Beninese millet beer commonly consumed in northern Benin, and shipped to southern Benin by railway and roadways. Sodabi is a liquor made from wine palm, and often consumed at events and ceremonies.