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Benin Republic was, as a colony of France, formerly known as Dahomey. It first gained self-government in 1958, before becoming independent on the Ist of August 1960. Cotonou is the capital, while Porto-Novo is the administrative seat of government.

The total land space of Benin is 112, 600 square kilometres. It has a mixed terrain; varying from, dense forests, lagoons, low, almost flat and sandy coastlines, to very fertile land on the plateaux. The mountain which straddles Benin on the northwest and Togo is about 640 metres at its peak, whilst the Niger River valley occupies the northeast.

The climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 270C or 800F.

Benin is an agriculture-based economy, producing cash crops like:
Palm oil, cassava, corn, yams, rice, beans, fruits, and sorghum for domestic consumption; whilst export crops include: cocoa beans, cotton, and coffee.
Fish and livestock are also locally produced. The Seme offshore fields are the principal source of the country's crude oil for domestic and export purposes.

Benin consists of about 40 different ethnic groups. It has a long tradition of Kingdoms dating back to the 12th century, with links to the Benin Kingdoms in Nigeria.