$Unique_ID{COW00377}
$Pretitle{403}
$Title{Benin
Presentation of the Republic of Benin}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{Embassy of Benin, Washington DC}
$Affiliation{Embassy of Benin, Washington DC}
$Subject{benin
republic
north
1st
season
15th
climate
zone
dry
km}
$Date{1990}
$Log{}
Country:     Benin
Book:        Benin-Presse Information
Author:      Embassy of Benin, Washington DC
Affiliation: Embassy of Benin, Washington DC
Date:        1990

Presentation of the Republic of Benin

     The Republic of Benin covers a territory of 112 622 km2. The Republic of
Benin has a population of 3.286.000 inhabitants (estimation as of 1st August
1977).

     The Republic of Benin contains more than sixty nationalities and ethnic
groups. The People of the Popular Republic of Benin are proud, cordial, and
hospitable and able to win all hearts.

Situation and Frontiers

     The Republic of Benin is located in the intertropical zone, between the
Equotor and the Tropic of Cancer, more precisely between the 6th and 12th
latitude north. It forms part of West Africa. It was a natural frontier to the
south, the Gulf of Benin and political frontiers with the neighbouring states;
The Republic of Togo to the East, the Republic of the Niger to the north and
the Federation of Nigeria to the East.

     Covering an area of 112.622 km2 the country from the atlantic Ocean to
the Niger river covers a length of almost 700 km. Its width varies from 125 km
along the coast to 325 km at the level of a line Segbana-Tanguieta.

Geography

     The Benin territory has a fairly even relief. The only high region is
located to the north west of the country: this is the Atacora chain. From
south to north the main morphological landscapes are:

     1 - The coastal plain: covered with sand and alluvial sediments

     2 - The lowland: set of low plateaux. Erosion has formed hollows known as
the "LAMA"

     3 - The crystalline plateau: it occupies the greater part of the Benin
territory. Numerous residual reliefs rise there: Dassa-Zoume, Save, Savalou
mountains etc.

     4 - The Atacora chain to the north west

     5 - The Niger plain to the north east

Climatology and Tourist Season

     Being part of the tropical world the Popular Republic of Benin offers a
hot climate tovisitors. The hot temperatures vary little throughout the year.
As in the whole of the humid inter-tropical zone, the hydrous and not the
thermal element divides the year into dry and wet seasons. The sub-equatorial
climate of south Benin is differentiated from the tropical or Sudanese climate
of North Benin.

     In the zone with a sub-equatorial climate a distinction is made between
four seasons: Main dry season: from 15th November to 1st April. Short dry
season: from 15th Ju. Main rainy season from 1st April to 15th July. Short dry
season: from 15th July to 15 September. Short rainy season: from 15th
September to 15th November.

     The best tourist months are: December, January; February, March, July
August. In the zone subject out; the wet winter (1st June to 1st November) and
the dry season (1st November to 1st June) during which the harmattan wind
blows. The best tourist months are: the period from December to April and the
months of July and August.

Hydrography

     The hydrography network is highly developed but irregular according to
the seasons. The main waterways are: the Oueme (510 km), the Mono (350 km);
the Couffo, the Mekrou.

     The lagoons of Grand-Popo, Porto-Novo, lakes Noukoue and Aheme should
also be mentioned.

Flora and Fauna

     A clearly typical vegetation corresponds to each natural region of Benin.
The vast coconut groves in the coastal regions recall the Polynesian
landscape. The zone subject to the sub-equatorial climate offers an unexpected
appearance. The dense forest customary at this latitude is replaced by a thick
savannah; the "Beninian" savannah. All the space subject to the Sudanese
climate contains clear forests, tree grown savannah, or grassy savannah. The
whole of the central and north zone lence the sphere of election of the big
game. Benin is especially well furnished with game capital allowing for
shooting and big game shooting.