Official Language:
French
Secondary Language:
Fon & Yoruba
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Currency:
West African Franc (CFA)
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Population:
Approximately 534,000 call Cotonou home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Cotonou Benin: Cotonou has an averages tropical temperature of 87°F/31°C. The dry season is from December through April, which make the best cruising months. Dry and harsh wind blowing from Sahara are common December and January.
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Cotonou, the largest port and city of Benin is also the capital. Cotonou is situated on a strip of land between the Gulf of Guinea and Lake Nokoue in West Africa. Here is the starting point of the Benin-Niger Railway, which extends 273 miles into the interior ending in the middle of Benin at Parakou. Goods are move an additional 200 miles by road to the navigable Niger River. The airport of Cotonou's along with it's road and rail connections make it the transportation and communications hub of Benin. The city has small-scale industries including the manufacturing of palm oil, brewing, textiles, & cement. Other construction materials, include aluminum sheet. Motor vehicles and bicycles are assembled here. Cotonou is a distribution center for petroleum products.
Cotonou, originally a small state was dominated by the kingdom of Dahomey since the 18th century. The French made a treaty with the Dahomean king Gezo in 1851 that allowed them to establish a trading post at Cotonou. In 1883 the French navy by force occupied the city. Cotonou is the buildings such as parliament and the supreme court, as well as the most to many foreign embassies. The National University of Benin along with and a botanical garden are also in the city. The majority of the population are voodoo adherents. It was from Benin that voodoo was exported to the Americas. Although yellow taxis can be stopped in Cotonou for in-town travel, taxis in Benin are mainly used for medium- to long-distance journeys. Within Cotonou, there are many taxi stations or "gares" from which travelers can depart for specific points within Benin. For example, to go to Porto Novo, you must go to the "gare de Dantokpa," found at the large market. Here, you can also find taxis to Seme, Lagos, Lomé, Abomey-Calavi, and Allada. Fares can vary, but prices are more fixed for taxis than for zemis. For example, a trip to Porto Novo generally costs 500 FCFA per person. Prices should still be discussed before you get into the taxi.
From Cotonou, you can choose to leave from the center of town, in front of the Church of St. Michel (taxis are located a block away; ask for the "Gare St. Michel") or at Etoile Rouge, on north side of the city (ask for "La gare de l'Etoile Rouge"). Typically a trip to Ouidah will cost 800 CFA; Grand Popo, 1.200 CFA; Abomey, 1.500 CFA; and Lokossa, 1.300 CFA.
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Attractions |
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Grand Marché de Dantkopa:
An open-air market in Cotonou.
The Stilted Villages of the Inhabitants:
Several miles out on the lake you will find the villages that were built in the 18th century as a protective measure. Restaurants and a hotel have been built six feet above the water, completing the community.
The Boulevard St. Michel:
The center of town with very busy streets and plenty of activities. The Dan Topka market is located at the end of the boulevard. From here you can also find transport to many of the other attractions.
Artisanal Center:
This center, located off of Boulevard Saint Michel, sells some of the most typical art from throughout Benin: wood and metal sculpture, drums, woven and painted tapestries, as well as unique items made by local craftsmen. There is no entrance fee and prices for the goods vary depending on what you're looking for and the mood of the vendor. The key to purchasing items is never to accept the first price; always bargain!
Marché Dantokpa:
One of the largest open-air markets in West Africa, the Marché Dantokpa is located on Boulevard St. Michel. All types of items can be purchased here, ranging from colorful African cloth to handmade leather sandals, wood carvings, household goods, and food items. Like everywhere else in Benin, prices are not set, so you can bargain for your purchase.
Cotonou Beaches :
The best place to go for a relaxing day in the sun is at the Fidjrosse beach, located in the neighborhood of Fidjrosse. Here, you can find a spot on the sand free of charge or, if you prefer, rent a little hut-type shelter for the day for as little as 5.000 FCFA. There are many bars (buvettes) and inns (auberges) found along the water here, which are ideal spots for refreshing drinks and snacks and getting out of the sun. Apart from Fidjrosse beach, other pleasant beaches are located across from the Presidential Palace and across from the hotel Croix du Sud.
Nightlife/Entertainment:
There is a full range of entertainment in Cotonou any day of the week. Karaoke is popular in Benin, and among the best spots for this are the Benin Marina Hotel (formerly the Sheraton), where there is a piano bar, full bar, and dance floor as well as a gambling room; Chez Alex in the Jonquet neighborhood; and Club V.I.P., located in the Ganhi neighborhood. If you prefer dancing, you can dance till dawn at the Crystal Palace/Chez Alex in Jonquet, K.S. at the Hotel du Port, New York near the Artisan Center, and Club V.I.P. in the Ganhi neighborhood. All of these clubs, plus many others, play music ranging from Techno to the local dance music, "Zouk," and are great places to meet young Beninese and other travelers. The jazz club So What! hosts some of Benin's most talented musicians. If you are in the mood for listening or dancing to live music, this club offers the best ambiance to do both. Every few months, a celebrated West African singer or musical group gives a concert in the municipal stadium (Stade de l'Amitié). If you are lucky enough to be in town during a performance, take advantage and go. It is a great opportunity to enjoy live music with a local audience.There are several movie theatres around town which show popular Indian, American, French, and Nigerian films. Try Cinema Vog, across from the restaurant Festival de Glaces, or Cinema Concorde in the Akpakpa neighborhood, near the Green Horse Hotel. Entrance fees start at 500 CFA. Theatrical, dance, and musical performances are offered periodically at the French, Chinese, and American Cultural Centers as well.
Shopping:
The Dantokpa Market and the Artisan Market.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Benin:
Benin Travel Information
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