Benin

SHORT INFORMATION

Porto-Novo is the capital of Benin

Porto-Novo (also known as Hogbonou and Adjacé) is the official capital of the West African nation of Benin, and was the capital of French Dahomey. The commune covers an area of 110 square kilometres (42 sq mi) and as of 2002 had a population of 223,552 people.

SHORT INFORMATION

Religion in Benin

According to the 2002 census, 27.1 percent of the population of Benin is Roman Catholic, 24.4 percent Muslim (mainly Sunni), 17.3 percent Vodun, 5 percent Celestial Christian, 3.2 percent Methodist, 7.5 percent other Christian denominations, 6 percent other African Traditional Religion groups, 1.9 percent other religious groups, and 6.5 percent claim no religious affiliation.

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

Festivals and Events in Benin

The Voodoo Festival popularly known as the National Voodoo Dayis the major festival in Benin that attracts thousands of followers to Ouidah. The festival is held in January every year at a beach and people in colourful local dress dance, drum and pray while animals are slaughtered in rituals.