Cameroon is a Central African country with a French heritage. It is often considered a West African country because of the neighboring countries and their position on the map. Cameroon is a diverse country both culturally and geographically, beyond that though, there are many interesting facts about Cameroon that might interest you. 

Common Facts About Cameroon

Officially known as the “Republic of Cameroon.” It is a stunning African nation renowned for its varied landscape and abundant wildlife. More than 27 million people call it home. Its culture and history are fascinating. Beyond its animals and landscapes, there are interesting facts about Cameroon that make it a desirable travel destination.

Several countries in Africa are prone to armed conflicts and civil/social unrest. Always double check the latest situations from both your government and the local government advisories.

Historical Facts About Cameroon

Cameroon Is Over 1000 Years

Recent archaeological evidence shows that humans have inhabited present-day Cameroon for over 50,000 years. 

The first settlers in the region were said to be the Baka people as far back as the Neolithic era. 

Subsequently, the Bantu migration into Eastern and central Africa occurred. The Sao civilization was established around Lake Chad and the Bantu hunter-gatherers in the southern rainforest. 

Europeans arrived in the area in the 15th century, with Portuguese explorers naming it Rio dos Camaroes. 

Cameroon Pre-Independence 

When the Portuguese explorers arrived in Cameroon in 1520, they settled fully in the region. During that era, they created sugar plantations and started slave trading.

By the early 1600s, the Dutch took over the region. Later, in 1884 they created the German colony of Kamerun. 

After WW I, the country was split between the French and Britain. In 1961, the two regions united and gained independence. 

Cameroon Independence

Cameroon gained independence from France on 1st January 1960. 

Following almost two years later, it got total independence from the United Kingdom on the 1st of October 1961. However, the country became a republic only in 1984.

Long Serving Head Of State

Here’s an interesting fact about Cameroon politics, Cameroon president Paul Biya was elected for a 7th term in 2018. 

He has been the president of Cameroon since 1982. That makes him the second longest-serving leader in Africa behind Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. He will certainly also be one of the oldest leaders to serve in Africa historically.

Paul Biya was the prime minister between 1975 to 1982 before he became president in 1982. He is the current longest non-royal national ruler in the world, after spending over 40 years in office. 

Say No To Poaching

Poachers have continually plagued Central Africa. Between 2002 and 2012, there has been at least a two-third decline in the number of elephants in the Central Forest. 

In 2016, in a bid to dissuade illegal poaching, the Cameroonian government burned over 2000 illegally trafficked elephant tusks and over 1700 ivory objects. A total that amounts to 3.5 tones. 

This marked the largest burning of poached wildlife goods in the history of Africa. The authorities destroyed these goods as a means to keep them off the black market. 

Facts About Cameroon For Travelers

Kribi Beach 

Because of its large coastline, Cameroon plays host to some beautiful beaches. An interesting fact about Cameroon beaches is that they have distinct sand colors and crystal-clear waters, whether white or blue. 

Supported by locals and travelers, Kribi Beach is one of the best beaches in Cameroon. It has long shores with plenty of palm trees. 

This is a cool place to walk; with rocks along the way. It is also an ideal location for taking photos. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the sun setting from this beach. 

One piece of advice, though, is to pack your umbrella and chair, as they are not provided on the beach. If you’re on a family picnic, you can as well get a large mart or clothing you can spread on the ground and enjoy your time with your family. 

Wettest Places In The World

Considering that the country has desert plains, this probably comes as a surprising fact about Cameroon. Nevertheless, Cameroon does house one of the wettest places in the world, “Debundscha.” 

The Debundscha is located between Mount Cameroon and the Atlantic Ocean. It records an annual precipitation of a little over 10 meters per year. 

The equatorial location plays a significant role in that its peak is around 4000 meters high, thus preventing rain clouds from passing. 

Mount Cameroon

Another interesting fact about Cameroon is that it has the highest active volcano in Western and Central Africa. Mount Cameroon has an elevation of over 4000 meters above sea level. Its last eruption was in 2000. 

Here’s a Cameroonian myth about the volcano. Due to its multiple eruptions, locals believe a god resides in the mountain, and when angered, it spits fire. 

Waza National Park

This is one of many popular tourists attraction in Cameroon. The park, located in the northern region of Rohaya is home to over 25 species of mammals. 

Hartebeest, Sudan cheetahs, lions, and African bush elephants are just some of the majestic beasts you can see there if you are lucky.

Waza also has over 300 species of birds like ostrich, water birds, white pelican, and marble duck.

Africa’s Oldest Forest

Here is an interesting fact about Cameroon animals; some have the luxury of inhabiting the oldest forest in Africa. 

The Korop Nation Park Forest is estimated to be at least 60 million years old. And as you can guess, its longevity ranks it as the oldest remaining forest in Africa. It is located in the southern province along its border with Nigeria. 

Over 4500 herbs, 600 tree species and shrubs are growing in the Korop forest. The forest also houses over 100 species of mammals. There are also a total of 435 species of bird, 170 species of reptiles and amphibians, and at least 100 kinds of fish. 

Chimpanzees, red-eared monkeys, and baboons are some of the famous animals in the park. There are also leopards, buffalos, and elephants; it’s a sight to behold. 

Cultural Facts About Cameroon

Cultural Diversity

The official languages in Cameroon are French and English. But there are over 280 other languages spoken in the country. 

It is not a surprise, though, as Cameroon is home to at least 200 ethnic groups. Here’s a fun fact about Cameroon: it ranks 9th as the world’s most linguistically diverse country. It ranks 2nd in Africa, behind only Nigeria. 

Becoming A Man 

The Fulani, one of the ethnic groups in Cameroon, have an interesting tradition. They host a ceremony where they initiate boys into men. 

During the ceremony, young boys are lashed with sticks. The marks from this beating represent their coming of age. Interestingly, the Fulani also believe that your status is defined by the number of cattle you own.

Ndole The National Dish

The national dish of the Cameroonian people is Ndole. It is popular all around the country. In fact, many ceremonies usually conclude with Ndole.

More than just food, Ndole is one of the most cherished experiences of most Cameroonian tourists. It is a peanut-based soup made with bitter leaves (Ndole leaves). 

This traditional Cameroon food is garnished with crayfish, prawns, spices and beef. It is usually also served with any swallow food or plantain.

Although the Duala people are credited as the originators of the Ndole soup, they enjoy the dish with miondo, a starchy mix of grounded cassava.  

Simple Facts About Cameroon For Kids

Cameroon Flag

The Cameroonian flag features three vertical green, red, and yellow stripes, with a star right in the middle. The star is said to symbolize national unity. 

The green represents the vegetation of the country’s south, the yellow reflects the savannas of the country’s north, and the red signifies the link between the north and south, representing national sovereignty. 

Rio dos Camaroes “Shrimp River”

Here’s another cool fact for kids about Cameroon. It is named after a crustacean. Cameroon’s early inhabitants included the Sao civilization and Baka hunter-gatherers. 

Portuguese explorer Fernando Po landed in the region around 1472. He was shocked by the large number of prawns he found in River Wouri. He renamed the area Rio dos Camaroes. In English, it became Cameroon.

Yaounde The Capital

Yaounde is the second largest city in Cameroon and the country’s capital. It houses over 2.8 million of the country’s population. The city spans a total land area of 180 square km with an elevation of 726 meters above sea level. 

Douala The Hub

On the other hand, Douala is the largest city in Cameroon. It is the economic and commercial hub of the country. The city sits on the fjord of the Wouri River. 

It actually has the largest port in Central Africa and also houses Cameroon’s international airport. Therefore, you will almost definitely get to visit it if you are coming from abroad.

Geographical Facts About Cameroon

Africa In Miniature 

Cameroon is also known as Africa in Miniature. Some even refer to it as the hinge of Africa. This is because the country has exceptional geographical and cultural diversity. 

Here’s an incredible fact about Cameroon; the country features almost every climate and ecological system. 

Lake Monoun And Lake Nyos

Cameroon houses two of the three exploding lakes in the world. Lake Nyos and Mononu contain carbon dioxide reserves in the form of magma underneath the water.

Well, as cool as it sounds, though, exploding lakes are extremely dangerous. They are a source of the limnic eruption. A natural phenomenon where dissolved carbon dioxide erupts from lake waters to form a gas cloud able to kill humans and livestock. 

An unfortunate fact about Cameroon is that it has fell victim to these lake eruptions at least twice. In 1984, Lake Monoun erupted, claiming the lives of over 30 people. 

Subsequently, Lake Nyos erupted in 1986. The episode was worse than Lake Monoun, claiming the lives of over 1500 people. 

Cameroon Land Area

Cameroon ranks as the 25th and 53rd largest country in Africa and the world, respectively. It has a total land area of about 475,442 square km. This makes it larger than Sweden and slightly bigger than California. 

Cameroon Climate

The geographical makeup of Cameroon is unique. Different parts of the country have different landscapes, and therefore climates. 

The southern region mainly hosts lush rainforests, the northern region has a vast desert plain, while the middle features towering mountains. 

Other Interesting Facts About Cameroon

Goliath Frog

Imagine a frog as big as a house cat. Yeah! That’s the size of the Goliath frog.

The Goliath frog is the largest specie of frog in the world. Interestingly they can only be spotted in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

The National Sport Is Soccer

Cameroonians love football. The men’s national team is nicknamed “The Indomitable Lions.” They have qualified for FIFA tournaments at least 6 times. They participated in the World Cup at least 5 times. In 1990 they became the first African nation to reach the quarterfinals. 

They have won the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) at least 4 times. In the 2000 Sydney Olympic games, they even won Gold. 

Decent Coastline

Cameroon has a relatively long coastline that stretches over 402km. This is considered fairly long compared to many African countries. 

Cameroon’s coastline rests on the Bight of Biafra, which runs through the Gulf of Guinea straight through the Atlantic Ocean. 

Coffee In Cameroon

Cameroon coffee and beans are some of the best in the world. That said, it probably comes as no surprise that the country is one of the largest coffee producers in West Africa. 

Robusta beans are exported, while the Cameroon Boyo bean is sold and consumed locally. At one point, Cameroon was even the second-largest coffee exporter in Africa. It had an annual production of over 130,000 metric tons. 

Thermal Springs

Due to various volcanic activities, there are thermal springs across Cameroon. You can find these thermal springs in Ngaoundere and Lake Moundo, among other areas. 

Locals leverage the springs as an energy source. They actually use them for gas, making up about 21% of the country’s needs. Certainly one of the cool facts about Cameroon.

Lake Chad

Chad lake was one of the largest lakes in the world before it shrunk. It resides on the border of Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, and Niger. 

Due to climate change, unregulated irrigation, and rapid increase in population, the lake has shrunk by over 90%!

Discovering More Fun Facts About Cameroon

These are some of the interesting Cameroon facts that hopefully piqued your interest. This African gem is a fascinating country with many highlights to explore. 

From the fascinating Goliath Frog, to its thermal springs and famous wildlife, Cameroon has an array of activities and landmarks that are waiting to be discovered!

To truly appreciate this beautiful nation in all its glory, you must visit yourself. You are sure to learn more incredible facts about Cameroon through some firsthand experiences. 

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Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa that is famous for its safaris. It is one of Africa’s safest countries, making it a dependable travel destination. Botswana is well-known for having the world’s greatest elephant population. Aside from its wildlife, there are numerous facts about Botswana worth learning.

Common Facts About Botswana

The country is officially known as the “Republic of Botswana,” and houses a population of little over 2.6 million people. Botswana is famous for its distinctive landscapes and natural features, such as the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta. The country also has a lovely culture and a deep, long history. 

If you ever want to visit this African gem, here are some Botswana facts to know.

Several countries in Africa are prone to armed conflicts and civil/social unrest. Always double check the latest situations from both your government and the local government advisories.

Historical Facts About Botswana

Botswana Is Over 1000 Years

Officially, Botswana Is a little over 140 years old since the British made it a protectorate in 1885. However, present-day Botswana existed long before then.

For over 18,000 years, the Khoisan people have inhabited the area, dating back to 17,000 BC to 1650 AD. A recent study suggests that Botswana could be more than just the home of the Khoisan and the Tswana people, who have been there since the 14th century. 

Based on DNA samples, modern-day Botswana is considered the ancestral home of modern humans. 

There is a theory stating Homo sapiens lived in Botswana as far back as 200,000 years ago, somewhere in the south of the Zambezi River in present-day Botswana.

The Tale Of Sir Seretse Khama

From 1966 to 1980, Sir Seretse Khama presided over Botswana as its first leader. It wasn’t all roses for him before then.

When he fell in love with someone who appeared to be the wrong person and had to go into exile, it initially felt as though he was up against the entire world.

It was unheard of at the time, yet he fell in love with an English woman named Ruth Williams. He was sent into exile by the British despite facing scrutiny from them when they were married.

His time in exile was beneficial since he used it to further his own development, which helped him become a titan of knowledge. He negotiated the conditions for the nation’s independence after his return.

Botswana Independence

Before independence, Botswana was called Bechuanaland, a British protectorate since 1885. Botswana gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. 

Useful Facts About Botswana For Travelers

World’s Shortest Border 

How about this for an interesting fact about Botswana and its neighbors? In Botswana, you can see two countries and jump between them in minutes. 

Botswana and Zambia’s shared border is just a little over 700 meters. It’s a world record for the shortest border between two independent countries. 

Elephants In Botswana

Here is one of the famous facts about animals in Botswana. The country houses some of the most majestic creatures on the African continent. Botswana is home to the largest population of elephants. Over 130,000 elephants live within the boundaries of Botswana.  

Beyond elephants, there are many animals in Botswana’s nature ecosystem. It’s a great destination to enjoy a safari. In addition, Chobe in Botswana has the highest concentration of wildlife on the entire continent of Africa. 

Okavango Delta

A cool fact about Botswana is that it houses one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa, the Okavango Delta. This large inland Delta is situated in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana. 

It was created by the Okavango River in a tectonic trough of the Kalahari. This landmark is classified as an endorheic basin, which loses water via evaporation and transportation.

The Delta has a beautiful view and is covered by swampland vegetation. It is home to several mammals, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and fish. This beauty is a designated UNESCO world heritage site.

Houseboat Safari

Botswana offers visitors unique safari experiences. Beyond the regular wildlife safari, in Botswana, you can enjoy houseboat safaris. 

Houseboat safari is an amazing way to immerse Africa’s game-rich landscape and waterways. You get to experience the wildlife all from the comfort of your boat. 

You get to relax and enjoy watching different wildlife simultaneously in the water and on land. For nature lovers, this is one to leverage. You can take photos and feel nature at its best. 

An important thing to note if you are going on a houseboat safari in Botswana, is to check if you also need a Namibia Visa. 

The Chobe River leads to the Impalila island where the Namibia immigration services are stationed. If you want to cross borders on your houseboating experience, you may likely need a visa. 

However, some houseboating service providers offer experiences which don’t involve a border crossing. 

Tsodilo Hills 

The country has its own fair share of ancient art. Here is an interesting fact about Botswana’s Tsodilo Hills. It earned the nickname Louvre of the Desert. 

Tsldilo Hills in Northwest Bostwana houses over 4500 ancient rock Paintings. This is a good destination to start your touring experience of the country

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

The Khama sanctuary is a unique initiative; a community-based project started in 1992. It was designed to help protect the diminishing population of rhinos. 

There are many other animals besides rhinos in this sanctuary. It is also a great safari location. There are enough campsites and accommodations at the sanctuary, so you can even stay over for an immersive experience with nature.

Cultural Facts About Botswana

Languages In Botswana

Considering the country was once a British protectorate, it is no surprise that the official language is English. 

However, the national language in Botswana is Tswana. It’s a fraction of the Bantu language spoken in many southern regions of Africa. Tswana is also the lingua franca of South Africa.

Mopane Worms

One of the logical yet peculiar facts about Botswana is that locals do indulge in worms as a delicacy. The people leverage the ecological system and take nutrition from anywhere they can get it. 

For many centuries to date, the mopane worms have served as a nice snack for the Botswana people. This probably doesn’t appeal to you if you have Scoleciphobia (worm phobia). 

Fear not, because that’s not what food in Botswana is all about.

Seswaa, The National Dish

Traditional Botswana cuisine features many beautiful and delicious dishes, but Seswaa takes the spot as the national dish.  

An obvious but interesting fact about Botswana citizens is that they love to eat meat, especially goat meat (Chevon). 

Seswaa is a meat-based dish garnished with onion, spices, and pepper. Beef, lamb, chicken, or goat are usually used for the dish.

The meat is cooked for hours and allowed to absorb all the spices. It looks very much like a pulled beef dish. Seswaa is usually served with pap a cornmeal paste similar to custard. 

Music A Part Of The Culture

Much like many African countries, Botswana people love to dance and enjoy music. This is an exciting and fun fact about Botswana culture; music and dance plays and important part in traditions. Every tribe has their own unique dance style and you can tell a tribe by their dance style.

Another fascinating Botswana culture fact is that they have dances for storytelling, religious rites, celebrations, and any other occasion. 

Interestingly, the San people, whose ancestors were mainly hunter-gatherers, are said to have a rain dance;(a dance ritual with the aim of invoking rain). Pretty cool, right? 

Pula – The Currency

Here is a Botswana fact I bet you don’t know. The people in Boswana love water. This is evident in the country’s currency, “Pula.’ Pula in Setwana means “Rain or Blessing.”

Simple Botswana Facts For Kids

The Origins Of “Botswana”

The name Botswana is derived from the “Tswana.” Tswana are the dominant ethnic group in the southern region of Africa. 

SeTswana is the language, while BaTswana are the people. Merging them together, the name Botswana emerged. 

Bastwana And Motswana

The population of Botswana is a little over 2.5 million people. Interestingly over 2 million Tswana people live in the country.

In the Tswana language, one person is called Motswana, while a group of people are called Bastwana.

Makgadikagadi Pans

Botswana holds another record of housing the world’s largest salt pan. These are natural expanses of ground covered in salt and other minerals. They are used to evaporate brine. 

Makgadikagadi pans are the largest in the world, covering a total area of 12000 square km. 

Other Interesting Facts About Botswana

Desert Botswana

Did you know over 75% of the total land area of Botswana is covered by the semi-arid Kalahari Desert? It’s safe to say that Botswana is a desert country.

Many will argue otherwise, though, since the Kalahari Desert is semi-arid, which means it gets little rain. It is not classed as a true desert because it has some rainfall. 

Gaborone

The capital of Botswana is Gaborone, which is also the largest city in the country. 

The city is also commonly known as Gaborone Game Reserve. This is because it houses native animals like wildebeest, Impala, and birds, both local and migratory. 

That said, it is still the government and economic capital of the country. The capital city is home to over 200,000 people. In addition, it is pretty elevated at slightly more than 1000 meters and span a land area of approximately 169 sq km. 

Diamond Producer

Here’s a stunning fact about Botswana that you probably didn’t know. It is the world’s second-largest producer of diamonds and the largest in Africa.

Furthermore, the world’s second-largest diamond was mined in Botswana in 2015. It was found in Karowe mine; the gem was about 1,111-carat. 

At the time, it was the biggest diamond discovered in Botswana. It was also the largest discovered diamond in over a century. 

Botswana Landscape

Hearing about the various landmarks in Botswana, you can imagine that the country has an incredibly diverse landscape. 

Many of these natural regions are unique in their own rights and are even contrasting with each other. This is one of the interesting facts about Botswana and its geography. 

The Nxai and Makgadikagadi salt pans have beautiful celestial qualities, reflecting the rays of the sun. Meanwhile, the Kalahari Desert brings a little harsh form with its scorching climate and arid attributes. 

On the other hand, the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta offer a more marshy environment.

Discovering More Fun Facts About Botswana

Botswana is a fascinating country with an incredibly diverse landscape. It is home to some of the world’s most interesting cultures and traditions. 

These are just a few of the many unique facts about Botswana that make it worth exploring. From its abundance of wildlife to warm hospitality of the people, there is no shortage of things to uncover here.

If you’d like to discover even more incredible facts about Botswana, why not plan a trip there? You’ll be sure to come away enriched by your experiences and newfound knowledge.

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Benin is one of many beautiful African countries located in West Africa. The nation is bordered by Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. It is home to plenty of wildlife, making it a suitable safari destination. While that may be the main attraction, several other interesting facts about Benin make it a destination worth discovering.

Common Facts About Benin

Officially the “Republic of Benin,” this is one of many French-speaking countries on the African continent. The West African nation has an approximate population of 13 million people. 

Benin is known for its glorious historic past involving the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey. The country also features beautiful art, rich history, and intriguing culture. Here are some interesting Benin facts you probably didn’t know. 

Several countries in Africa are prone to armed conflicts and civil/social unrest. Always double check the latest situations from both your government and the local government advisories.

Historical Facts About Benin

Benin Slave Coast

Here’s an important historical fact about Benin. The country served as a route for slave migration from Africa to Europe and the Americas. 

It spans the south coastal region of the country, and the coast was infamous. Tradesmen at the time groomed relationships with European who came there to buy ivory, gold, and pepper. It created a platform for the slave trade. 

Africans taken into slavery between the 16th and 19th centuries had to go through the Benin coast. It was suggested that the slave trade in Benin lasted for over 100 years which accounts for the migration of over 1 1,000 slaves from Africa to Brazil, Cuba, the Caribbean, Haiti, and the U.S.

French Rule In Benin

Due to the decline of the slave trade, the status of Dahomey as a regional power weakened. 

In 1892, the French arrived the region and tried to gain control. In 1899 It was declared “French Dahomey.” They merged it with the large French West Africa region. 

After over five decades, in 1958, the French granted the French Dahomey autonomy. In 1969, it gained full independence. The national day in Benin is 1st August. 

Benin Was Formerly Dahomey

In 1975, the country officially became the Republic of Benin. Before that, the name was Dahomey. Here’s an interesting story about the name Dahomey. 

Dahomey directly translates to the phrase “on the belly of the Dan.” Kings at the time prided themselves on defeating a rival. 

To cement his strength and authority, the king at the time buried Dan. Dan was a rival king, and he was buried beneath the foundation of the present-day Benin palace. 

The kingdom of Dahomey was wealthy and powerful. They had a well-structured economy built around slave labour. At some point in the 1840s, the kingdom’s power experienced a decline due to pressure to scrap the slave trade.

Benin “The Bight Of Benin”

Benin lies on a body of water, and it is named after it. After independence, the country took up the name Dahomey. 

However, it wasn’t a true reflection of the country, as the Kingdom of Dahomey represented a small ethnic group inhabiting a small fraction of the whole country.

Fifteen years after independence, it changed from Dahomey to Benin. It was an unbiased decision, considering the country lies on a large body of water. 

The Bight of Benin is a bay taking a crescent shape. It covers over 600km and stretches through the Nun outlet of River Niger in Nigeria ad Cape St. Paul in Ghana. 

Useful Facts About Benin For Travelers

Dantokpa

Dantokpa is a large open-air market in the country. Most African countries have several towns with open-air markets, and it is no exception in Benin. 

The concept seems to be popular here as almost every town in Benin has an open-air market. As a matter of fact, Dantokpa is often considered the largest International open-air market in West Africa.

Situated in Nokoue Lake in the country’s economic hub Cotonou, the market attracts many customers from different countries. 

Dantokpa offers more than just goods; it’s a place where culture and traditions interact. The balance of commerce, culture, and tradition is amazing. 

Largest Population Of Lions

Pendjari national park in Benin houses the largest remaining population of lions in West Africa.

It is no secret that most West African countries have experienced a rapid decline in the population of lions in the region. Human activities like overgrazing and cultivation have contributed to the grassland being depleted. 

The national park is one of the few sanctuaries for lions and elephants. In this park, you see different big cats, including cheetahs and leopards. Be sure to stop by on your visit to the country. 

Venice Of Africa

One of the exciting facts about Benin is that they have their own version of Venice. Ganvie in Benin is a UNESCO world heritage site. It houses over 20,000 people and is seen as the largest lake village in Africa. 

People often call it the Venice of Africa, making it a popular tourist attraction in Benin.

The town was built on stilts in Lake Nokoue over 500 years ago. Its original habitats were mainly runways that were trying to escape being sold into slavery. 

Over the years, the area grew beyond the slave escape town and is now a thriving society. It has over 3,000 buildings which interestingly include a hospital, church, mosque, banks, schools, and post office.

Because of the unique location of Ganvie, the residents rely on boats for transportation and depend on fish farming. 

Beaches In Benin

Did you know this fact about Benin? It has some of the most beautiful beaches in West Africa. Because of its proximity to water and a decent coastline of about 121km, Benin is known for its awesome beaches.

Fidjrosse beach in Cotonou is a white sand beach with crystal-like water. Grand Popo Beach, Grand Popo, has yellow sand and very attractive blue water. You can sunbathe on some of these beaches, or surf and enjoy some sporting activities by the coast.

Palaces Of Abomey

This is one of the many beautiful places in Benin and also a UNESCO world heritage site. Built in the 17th century, the Royal Palaces of Abomey was a colony of the kingdom of Dahomey. 

It is an impressive set of 10 palaces housing the royals during the reign of the Dahomey Kingdom. A memory of the past glory well worth visiting.

Cultural Facts About Benin

Disrespectful Actions

Here’s one of the important cultural facts about Benin that you should definitely be aware of. 

Much like many African countries, the use of the left hand while handling people is frowned upon. That is because people use the left hand for cleaning after their trip to the washroom. 

Therefore, eating with your left hand is considered unhygienic in Benin. You also want to use your right hand while offering something to another person. Using your left hand can be considered disrespectful. 

Kuli-Kuli The National Dish

Although other food items like yam, rice and vegetables are consumed in various parts of the country, the national dish in Benin is Kuli-Kuli.

Kuli-Kuli serves as a means of gaining nutrition, protein, and sustenance, especially for the poor who can afford rich meals.

Kuli-Kuli is made from groundnut smashed and shaped into different forms like balls, flutes, and biscuits. Then deep fried in groundnut oil. 

Before frying, spices like pepper, salt, sugar, and milk could be added if available. It has a golden-brown colour. The finished product may only look attractive to some, but it tastes delicious to all. It is served hot or cold and can be eaten with custard or garri (Popularly known as cassava flakes).

Voodoo Originated In Benin

This is one of the more interesting facts about Benin. It is claimed that the practice of Voodoo started in the country. 

The country has one of the world’s highest populations of Voodoo worshippers. They even have a day where thousands of Voodoo worshippers converge at Ouidah to celebrate National Voodoo day. 

The Western understanding of Voodoo involves sticking pins into people, but that is a contrary opinion in Benin. Voodoo in Benin is more about making a positive impact on others. 

Although it involves spiritual forces like fire, earth, and water. That said, another lesser known fact about Benin is that they still carry out animal sacrifices. 

Snakes Are Worshipped In Benin

If you are afraid of snakes, you should avoid certain areas on your travels to the country. Crossing paths with snakes in Benin is considered a sign of good luck. 

Here’s a peculiar fact about Benin; It probably is one of very few, if not the only country in the world, with a whole template dedicated to dozens of snakes. 

In the palace, there’s a place called the template of snakes, where dozens of snakes knotted together can roam freely. Many come to this temple to worship the snakes as their spiritual conviction.

Languages In Benin

Considering their colonial masters were French, it is no surprise that it is the official language in the country. Although there are other languages like Yoruba, Biber, Fon, and Fula in Benin, French is the lingua franca. It is used in the media, public services, and the judiciary community. 

Simple Benin Facts For Kids

Benin Flag

The Benin flag is a tricolored flag featuring green, red, and yellow. Red represents courage, green hope, and revival, while yellow represents wealth.

The flag was adopted in 1959 and was raised officially on the country’s Independence Day the following year. 

First In Africa

There are many interesting facts about Benin, and this is one of them. Due to its Affiliation with European and the Americas, it was the first African country to transition from a Dictatorship rule to a multi-political system.

Port Novo Not Cotonou 

Here is a commonly mistaken fact about Benin. Many assume Cotonou is the country’s capital. Well, that is not correct; the capital of Benin is actually Port Novo. 

However, Cotonou is the largest and most popular city in the country. It is the country’s economic and commercial hub. It also houses the country’s president and most of the government officials.

Richest Region In Africa 

The Kingdom of Dahomey was once one of the richest regions in Africa. That might be hard to imagine, considering Benin is still a developing country.

Around 1750 because of how lucrative the Slave trade was, it earned approximately £250,000 a year. While that might not sound as much now, this was a relatively big amount in the 1700s.

Grammy Winner

Another less-known but proud fact about Benin is that the country has produced a Grammy-winning musician, Angelique Kidjo. 

Angelique is from Ouidah, Benin. In 2016, she also received the amnesty international top human award in recognition of her activist work.

Other Fun Facts About Benin

Mount Sokbaro

This beautiful mountain is one of the famous landmarks in Benin, and the highest point in the country. Mount Sokbaro is a hill part of the Atakora Mountain range. It is located in the western part of the country along its border with Togo. The imposing mountain has an elevation of 658 meters above sea level. 

World Youngest Population 

Here’s an interesting fact about Benin. The country is suggested to have the youngest population in the world. Hard to fathom, but the median age in the country is 17. Interestingly, a whopping 65% of the population is either 25 or under 25 years old.

But this young population is not illogical if you consider the country’s high fertility rate. In Benin, the fertility rate is estimated to be five children per woman. Also, it is one of the countries with low rates of contraceptive use. 

Art In Benin

This is one of many cutural attractions in Benin. Beninese are famous for their wood craving featuring sophisticated artworks. 

One of the cool facts about Benin culture is their love for art. The tradition of woodcrafting is well preserved by passing it along from one generation to the next for centuries.

Woodcarvings in Benin are famous in Europe and North America. They’re well recognized on the global market. Beyond that, the Beninese are also famous for their ivory-based and bronze sculptures. 

If you ever travel to Benin, make sure to get your customized wooden mask. They are fast to make, and you can get them within a short time. It’s cheaper in Benin, while rather pricey on the international market. 

Lowest Crime Rate In Africa

Due to corruption and poverty in some African countries and violence and civil war in others, the crime rate in Africa is significantly higher than in other continents.

Here is one amazing Benin fact. It has one of the lowest crime rates on the continent. No civil war, fewer corruption cases, and it is quite stable. Although the country has a low crime rate, there are rampant theft cases. Most homeowners hire night security guards to help prevent theft. 

Feeding In Benin

Here’s a perhaps unfortunate fact about Benin food. Young Beninese prefer to eat something other than a traditional meal. They view the traditional dishes as monotonous. Most Beninese love packaged food. They love to eat imported food instead of the local diet.

However, don’t let that fool you into thinking that Benin cuisine is bland and tasteless. There are many traditional Benin food that packs a punch and contains centuries of tradition. Be sure to dive into the food scene if you get the chance.

The Kingdom Of Dahomey, Is Not The Kingdom Of Benin

Here is another often mistaken fact about the kingdom of Benin. It is often mistaken as the Kingdom of Dahomey, but they are two different empires. 

The Kingdom of Benin is a kingdom in the southwest of Nigeria in the present-day Edo state. It is one of very few West African Empires still in existence and has no direct relation to Benin or the Kingdom of Dahomey.

Since Benin switched names from Dahomey; many often mistake it for the Kingdom of Benin due to the similarity in name.

Discovering More Fun Facts About Benin

From Mount Sokbaro to the Kingdom of Dahomey, Benin is a country with deep history and fascinating. While it might not come obvious as a travel destination, there is much to discover in this African country.

These are just some of the interesting facts about Benin that give a glimpse of what it has to offer. But this is definitely one country worth learning about and even visiting one day. You can experience all the cultural and incredible Benin facts firsthand and even come away with an amazing wooden mask as well!

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