Benin is bordered to the northwest by Burkina Faso, to the east by Nigeria, and to the west by Togo. The official capital is Porto-Novo, but Cotonou is Benin’s largest city, its chief port, and its de facto administrative capital. Benin was a French colony from the late 19th century until 1960. Prior to colonial rule, part of the territory that is now Benin consisted of powerful, independent kingdoms, including various Bariba kingdoms in the north and in the south the kingdoms of Porto-Novo and Dahomey (Dan-ho-me, “on the belly of Dan;” Benin consists of five natural regions. The coastal region is low, flat, and sandy, backed by tidal marshes and lagoons. The Fon, who make up about two-fifths of the population, live in various parts of the country and especially in Cotonou. The Yoruba, who are related to the Nigerian Yoruba, live mainly in southeastern Benin and constitute about one-eighth of Benin’s population. In the vicinity of Porto-Novo, the Goun (Gun) and the Yoruba (known in Pobé and Kétou as Nago, or Nagot) are so intermixed as to be hardly distinguishable. Among other southern groups are various Adja peoples, including the Aizo, the Holi, and the Mina. The Bariba, the fourth largest ethnic group, comprise several subgroups and make up about one-tenth of Benin’s population. They inhabit the northeast, especially towns such as Nikki and Kandi that were once Bariba kingdoms. The Somba (Ditamari) are found in Natitingou and in villages in the northwest. Other northern groups include the Dendi, the Pila (Pilapila), the Yoa-Lokpa, and the nomadic Fulani (Peul). Europeans, Lebanese, South Asians, and Africans from other countries are among the foreigners who reside in Benin, primarily in Cotonou and Porto-Novo..

Daily Costs Budget: less than CFA40,000 Hotel room: CFA12,000 Pâte in a maquis: CFA1200 Local beer: CFA600 Zemi-john ride: CFA400 Midrange: CFA40,000–60,000 Hotel room: CFA25,000 Two-course dinner: CFA5000 Drink in a bar: CFA1800 Intercity bus ride: CFA7500 Top End: more than CFA60,000 Hotel room: CFA45,000 Two-course meal: CFA12,000 Cocktail: CFA2500 4WD with driver, per day: CFA56,000 Currency Communauté Financière Africaine Francs (XOF).

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. Benin has two rainy and two dry seasons. ... The main dry season is from December to April, with a short cooler dry season from late July to early September.

Nationals of all African countries may enter Benin visa-free for up to 90 days. Hong Kong SAR passport also enter visa free for 14 days. All other visitors to Benin must obtain a visa from a Beninese diplomatic mission prior to arrival. or Another simple and fast way is to get an eVisa online [2]. Visas can be single entry ($40USD) or multiple entry ($45USD) and last 30 days. Benin has a embassy where you can get a visa in Lome Togo, Accra Ghana and Abuja Nigeria. Unlike before, visa on arrival at land border crossings with a possibility for an extension is not possible anymore (unless maybe when in transit in between Nigeria/Togo). A visa can be applied for in Lome before Friday and collected on Friday after 3pm. The cost is 10.000 for a 2 week single entry visa, requiring 2 pictures and maybe even proof of future onward journeys like a plane ticket. By plane.