What are 3 interesting facts about Benin?

Fun Facts About Benin

  • Benin was once called the Dahomey – it first acquired the name “Benin” in 1975.
  • It derives its name from the large body of water at the southern end of the colony “the Bight of Benin.”
  • The capital city of Benin is Porto-Novo but the largest city is Cotonou which is also home to the government.

What is Benin known for?

Benin City has long been famous for its “bronzes”—actually brass work, some of which is said to date from the 13th century—and for its ivory and wood carvings. Its museum (1960) has a notable collection of some of the kingdom’s early pieces.

What are 5 interesting facts about Benin?

Interesting Facts About Benin

  • Benin used to be known as the Dahomey.
  • Snakes are revered in Benin.
  • Benin’s south coast was once the ‘slave coast’
  • Voodoo originated in Benin.
  • It was the first African country to transition from a dictatorship to a democracy.
  • Benin has one of the youngest populations in the world.

What is Benin culture?

Benin’s culture remains deeply influenced by the legacy of the slave trade as well as by voodoo – the national religion. Explore festivals, fetishes, markets and palaces to gain a greater insight into this fascinating culture.

What is the most popular food in Benin?

Rice, beans, tomatoes and couscous are also significant staple foods. Fruits are common in this region, including mandarin oranges, oranges, bananas, kiwifruit, avocados, pineapples and peanuts. Yams are the main staple in northern Benin, and are also often served with peanut- or tomato-based sauces.

What is Benin City culture?

The people of the city have one of the richest dress cultures on the african continent and are known for their beads, body marks, bangles, anklets, raffia work and the subsistence farming of yam, plantain and cassava.

What are some traditions in Benin?

Voodoo Day. Voodoo Day happens on January 10 every year and is viewed by the people of Benin in the same vein of importance as the Christian Christmas or the Muslim Eid.

  • Quintessence Film Festival.
  • Gelede Festival.
  • Waba Festival.
  • International Festival of the Dahomean Cultures.

    • What is life like in Benin?

    Many people in Benin lived in villages in the rainforest. They cleared away the trees to grow vegetables and they built their houses from mud, wood and palm leaves. Benin was famous for its craft workers. Specialists in a craft (like ivory-carvers) formed groups called guilds.

    What do they wear in Benin?

    “Many people in Benin wear traditional clothing. For men and women the traditional garb there is called a ‘bomba. ‘ For men, they will wear a long tunic shirt, a long, loose tunic shirt with loose trousers. And women will wear a wrap skirt called a ‘pagne,’ and then just a loose top.