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Travelling in
Benin |
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Newsletter from
TravellingGroup.com |
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Benin,
formerly known as Dahomey, was one of the first countries in the
1990s to successfully effect the transition from dictatorship to a
pluralistic political system. Today, it is one of the most stable
countries in Africa.
In the 15th century, the Obas single rulers brought great prosperity
and a highly organised state to Benin. They also established good
relations and an extensive trade, which included slaves with the
Portuguese and Dutch, who arrived from the 15th century onwards.
The decline of the Obas began in the 18th century, when a series of
internal power struggles began, which lasted into the 19th century,
paving the way for the French takeover and colonisation of the
country in 1872. In 1904, the territory was incorporated into French
West Africa as Dahomey. On 4 December 1958, it became the Republique
du Dahomey, self governing within the French community, and gained
full independence from France on 1 August 1960.
Between 1960 and 1972, a succession of military coups brought about
many changes of Government; the last of these brought to power Major
Mathieu Kerekou. The new ruler, who was at the head of a regime
professing strict Marxist Leninist principles, remained in power
until the beginning of the 1990s, when, with French encouragement,
the Kerekou Government introduced a new democratic constitution and
held presidential and legislative elections. Although defeated in
the 1991 elections, he made a comeback in 1996.
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Although Benin has seen economic growth over the past few years and
has a high standing with the international community, it remains
among the worlds poorest countries. Within West Africa, Benin enjoys
stable relations with Nigeria, the main regional power. The only
significant problem has been a long running border dispute with
Benin's northern neighbour, Niger, over ownership of islands in the
Niger River. This was finally resolved by the International Court of
Justice in July 2005, which awarded 16 islands to Niger and nine to
Benin. Both countries accepted the ruling.
Although no security issues exist in Benin, there are occasional
incidents of mugging and personal assault in Cotonou and some armed
robberies have been reported in other areas, notably the border area
with Nigeria. Travellers are advised to be vigilant. Medical
facilities are also poor in Benin, particularly in rural areas and
travellers are advised to have comprehensive travel and medical
insurance, which covers a provision for medical evacuation.
Visit the museum in Abomey, situated about 100km northeast of the
capital Porto Novo. The museum covers the history of the Abomey
kingdoms and contains a throne made of human skulls. You can also
pay a visit to the Fetish Temple and the nearby Centre Artisanal
where local craft products are sold at reasonable prices.
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About the Author:
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It has holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments to rent on line as a holiday home rental. To see an example of Holiday Rentals in Benin have a look at
Holiday Rentals
Article Source:
ArticlesBase.com -
Things To See On Your Holidays In Benin |
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