Geographic map of Benin

Geographic map of Benin

Benin is a West African state, formerly known as Dahomey. It faces the Gulf of Benin to the south, where the coast measures about 120 km, it borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north.
The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo, but the seat of government is Cotonou.
Benin has a population of 12,378,840 as of 2021, while the population of the capital Porto-Novo is 267,191 as of 2009.
The official language is French.

Geography –
Benin is a country located on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Niger to the north, Nigeria to the east, the Gulf of Guinea to the south, and Togo to the west.
The territory of Benin features a combination of coastal plains, hills and plateaus. The southern part of the country is covered by a low marshy coastal plain known as the Niger Delta Plain. To the north, the land gradually rises to an undulating plateau, known as the Atakora Plateau. In the northwest of the country are the Atakora Mountains, which reach altitudes of up to 658 meters.
Benin has several major rivers. The Niger River forms the northern border of the country and is one of West Africa’s major river systems. Other major rivers include the Ouémé River, which flows south and flows into the Gulf of Guinea, and the Mono River, which forms part of the western border with Togo.
The largest city and capital of Benin is Porto Novo, closely followed by Cotonou, which is the country’s main seaport and economic centre. Other major cities include Parakou, Abomey, Djougou and Natitingou.
In summary, Benin is a country with a diverse geography, from the coastal lowlands to the northern plateaus and mountains. Its rivers and ecosystems provide rich biodiversity, while the main cities are located on the coast and in the interior of the country.
Benin’s geography is home to a rich biodiversity. The country has a wide variety of ecosystems, including mangroves on the coast, savannas in the center and forests in the north. These areas are home to a great diversity of species, such as elephants, leopards, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and a large variety of birds.

Climate –
Benin’s climate is predominantly tropical, with some regional variations. The country is located near the equator and experiences hot and humid weather most of the year. However, there are two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.
The rainy season in Benin generally runs from April to October. During this period, rainfall is abundant and humidity is high. Temperatures usually range between 24°C and 32°C, although they can be hotter. The rains can be heavy and thunderstorms can occur.
The dry season in Benin covers the months of November to March. During this period, the country receives less rainfall and temperatures are a bit milder, ranging between 21°C and 30°C. Even if it is considered the dry season, there can still be some rainfall, especially at the beginning and end of the dry season.
It is important to note that the climate can vary slightly depending on the region of Benin. In the coastal area, especially in the southern region, temperatures are more moderate due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. The north of the country tends to be drier and more arid, with higher temperatures than the south.
In summary, Benin’s climate is predominantly tropical, with a rainy season from April to October and a dry season from November to March. Temperatures are generally warm year-round, but can vary by region.

Flora-
The flora of Benin is very diverse thanks to its varied landscape which includes plains, mountains and tropical forests.
In Benin tropical forests cover much of southern Benin. These forests are rich in biodiversity and are home to a wide variety of plant species. Among the most common species are iroko (Milicia excelsa), obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon), sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) and rubber tree (Funtumia elastica).
In the northern part of Benin, the predominant vegetation is savannah. Here are trees such as the baobab (Adansonia digitata), the acacia (Acacia spp.), the shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) and various species of meadows.
Along the coast of Benin there are mangroves, unique and vital ecosystems. These mangroves host species adapted to saline and swampy conditions, such as red mangrove (Rhizophora spp.) and white mangrove (Avicennia spp.).
Benin has a rich tradition of using medicinal plants. Many local communities use various plant species to treat diseases and ailments. Some important medicinal plants in Benin include aloe vera, neem, moringa and St. John’s Wort.
Benin is an agricultural country and a significant part of the flora consists of food crops. Common crops include corn, cassava, rice, sorghum, beans, peanuts, bananas, mangoes, and a variety of vegetables.
The diversity of Benin’s flora is both environmentally and culturally important. However, it is important to note that deforestation and other human factors are threatening some of these ecosystems and plant species. The conservation of flora in Benin is essential to maintain biodiversity and the benefits it offers to local communities and the wider environment.

Wildlife –
Benin is a country with a great diversity of fauna.
Among the species we mention:
– African elephant: Benin is home to populations of African elephants, both in protected areas and in forested regions of the country. These majestic animals are the largest land mammals and are considered an endangered species due to poaching and habitat loss.
– African lion: Although their numbers have decreased in recent decades, Benin hosts a population of lions in some of its reserves and national parks. Lions are Africa’s iconic big cats and are at the top of the food chain.
– African buffalo: African buffaloes are large and robust animals that can be found in various areas of Benin. These herbivores form herds and usually inhabit savannas and forests.
– Hippopotamus: Benin has rivers and lakes where hippos can be found. These huge semi-aquatic animals are known for their bulky bodies, large heads, and sharp fangs. They are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
– Antelope: in Benin there are several species of antelope, such as the roan antelope, the conch antelope and the defassa antelope. These animals are agile and possess impressive horns which are used for both defense and mating.
– Chimpanzee: in some forest areas of Benin, especially in the southeast, populations of chimpanzees can be found. These primates are our closest relatives and are characterized by their intelligence and complex social behavior.
– Nile crocodile: The Nile crocodile is a species that inhabits the rivers and marshes of Benin. These reptiles are known for their large size and prehistoric appearance. They are excellent swimmers and fearsome predators.
These are just some of the numerous fauna species present in Benin. The country is also home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles, insects and other mammals, which contribute to its rich biodiversity.

Guido Bissanti