Population: 5, 448, 000

Area: 112, 643 sq km

Language: French

Time: + 6 hours from New York

Electricity: 220 Volts AC

Geography: Benin is a tiny country wedged between Togo to the west and Nigeria to the east. Burkina Faso and Niger border the country in the north and the Gulf of Guinea is to the south. The northwestern part of the country has the Atakora Mountains. A little to the east along the border with Niger is the Niger Plains. To the south is the fertile central plateau. The coastline is only about 80 miles long and the country is about 450 miles in length.

International Airport

Cotonou - The airport is located about 3 miles from the city center. Transit time is about 20 minutes. Departure tax is roughly US$5 but must be paid in West African CFA.

Tipping: This is not a common practice by the people of Benin. If you are comfortable with tipping, then do so. Remember that it is not expected unless the last foreigner left a hefty wad of cash behind.

Shopping: Shops are open at 8:30 am and close at 12:30 for lunch. Shops reopen at 3:30 and remain open until 7 in the evening. Although shops are closed on Sundays, they are open on Saturdays from 9 in the morning until 1 pm.

Food and Drink: This is not a country widely known for an identifiable cuisine. Most what you will find is chicken, vegetables and some other forms of meat occasionally available. Most upper level hotel restaurants and better independent restaurants have menus which travelers will be able to readily identify the fare. Caution should always be taken with water. Ask what purification precautions have been taken.

Social: Voodoo is a major influence in Benin. Although not everyone practices it, Voodoo is nevertheless present in everyone's lives. Voodoo ceremonies are colorful. You may watch one. The people i general are friendly but very few speak English so do not expect any spontaneous conversations. Dress conservatively. Foreigners who do not dress well are not well received.

Business: Business meetings are conducted in French. English is an exotic language which few here understand. If you do have the good fortune of having someone speak English, realize that you may both still may not be "understanding" he same things. Appointments are necessary. Business cards should be in French. Business suits are expected.

Tours

Abomy - The main attraction in town is the Royal Palace and Museum. The palace was once the largest palace in West Africa. It had fallen into disrepair but now is being restored. Adjacent to the palace is the Artisans Center where you can see the locals weaving, painting and sculpting.

Cotonou - This is functional capital of teh country. The biggest attraction is teh Grand Marche de Dantokpa which is great place to but Voodoo paripanalia including dried animal organs and varoius potions. Other items include pottery, jeans and paintings to be found. The Centre de Promotion de l'Artisant where bargaining is essential. Here just about anything which is hand made in Benin canbe found and you can have many things made specailly for you and you liking.

Ganvie - If you want something idyllic, this is the place. The town has been built up literally into a tourist destination that is quite pleasant. The village is built in stilts right in the center of a lagoon. The only way to get to yor accommodations is by dugout canoe!

Ouidah - In time pastthe town was teh most imprtant port in Benin and would have an immense impact on world history. It was here that slaves were shipped to the Americas. Today a memorial to the time and events is given in the 2.5 mile long Route de Esclaves. The Voodoo cult in Benin has its center here so it would be a good idea to visit teh Musee d'Histoire which has many things which explain Voodoo and teh cult as a whole.

Porto Novo - This is teh actual capital of teh country but nothing of it functions here. There is a fascinating museum here called teh Palais du Roi Toffa. The building was once the residence of King Toffa. Not far away is teh Ethnography Museum which contains masks and other Voodoo artifacts as well a good acccounting of teh city's history. The also has a lot of colonial buildings which are not is good repair but you imagination can deduce their earlier stately granduer.

Money and Banks

Banking: Banks are open from 8 am to 11:30 and from 3 to 5 pm. There are no weekend hours.

Currency: The West African CFA Franc.

Money Exchange: Best done at banks. Travelers checks are best exchanged at banks other places will charge very high rates of exchange.

Credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diners Club