Yearbook 2009
Benin. After a multi-month strike in the health care sector, the government agreed on a pay cut in addition to the state budget to over 8,000 employees. According to countryaah, the person who had to carry the dog’s head for the crisis was Finance and Finance Minister Soulé Mana Lawani, who was forced to resign. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for abbreviation BN which stands for the nation of Benin.
During the year, the government lost its majority in parliament as new alliances emerged between smaller parties. Since the president, who is also the head of government, does not depend on Parliament’s support to keep his office, the government did not have to step down, but it had trouble pushing through its proposals.
Shopping
Overview
There are numerous souvenir stalls at Cotonou Marina. Cotonou’s Dan Tokpa Market sells goods from Nigeria and other countries, as well as traditional medicines and handicrafts. Handicrafts and other local products can be bought at markets across the country. There are also arts and crafts centers in Cotonou and Abomey. Wood carvings (masks and small statues), bronze work, tapestries and pottery (especially in Parakou and Porto Novo) are recommended. Shop opening hours: Mon-Sat 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00.
Nightlife
Introduction
There are several nightclubs in Cotonou.
Culinary
Overview
In Cotonou there are several restaurants and hotels, mostly offering French dishes. Some restaurants have African specialties on the menu, particularly seafood.
Accommodation
Hotels
In larger cities and rural areas there are different types of accommodation in all price ranges. However, good hotels can mostly only be found in the capital. In Porga near Pendjari National Park there are two accommodation options (campements) which are starting points for photo safaris.
Culture
Religion
50% adherents of native religions, 30% Christians (mainly Roman Catholic, Methodist minority) and 20% Muslims.
Social Rules of Conduct
The usual rules of courtesy apply. They shake hands to greet each other. It should be noted that religion plays a not insignificant role in social interaction. Voodoo is the best known and probably the most unusual religion for western travelers. Casual dress is accepted almost everywhere. Photography: Ministries, military installations and other public facilities are not allowed to be photographed. Tip: 10%.
Climate
Best travel time
In the south equatorial climate with two dry and two rainy seasons. Very warm and dry from January to April and in August. The rainy seasons are from May to July and from September to December. In the north it is hot and dry from November to May, and cool with lots of rain from June to October.
Country data
Phone prefix
+229
Area (sq km)
112622
Population
10448647
Population density (per square km)
93
Population statistics year
2015
Main emergency number
117