GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 112622.0
Population: 7000000
FLIGHT DURATION
Benin
Between 6 and 8 hrs, depending on stopovers. Cotonou (the country's economic capital, where the main airport is located) is approximately 3,120 mi from London.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
The international airport is at Cotonou, on the beach front. If you are staying at the hotel Sheraton, you can get there on foot in 10 minutes. Otherwise, the ride in a taxi to the town centre will cost you around XOF1,500.
SECURITY
The 90s saw an increase in urban delinquency in Benin. However, the phenomenon is far from reaching the proportions observed in towns such as Abidjan.
In town, do not take too much cash with you, and do not go out at night. In the countryside, avoid roads near to the Nigerian border both day and night. Only drive at night when necessary.
ALL OF THE EDITORIAL TEAM'S ADVICE
At Cotonou, go and walk around Plakodji, the district where the Pla, originally from Grand Popo, live on the opening of the lagoon, at the tip of the town.
In Natitingou, go to the Saint-Paul Centre, where you will enjoy a superb view over the whole of the region of Atakora. Ask the parish priest to show you the way as it is not at all touristic.
If you are staying in Benin in December, do not miss the customary celebrations of the Gani, in Nikki, capital of the kingdom of the Bariba, during which the different Bariba chiefs confirm their allegiance to the king of Nikki and give him presents.
TELEPHONE
To contact Benin from London, dial 00 + 229 + number of other party. There are no regional codes.
From Benin to London, dial 00 44 20 + no of other party.
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