Discover

A world of wonders

A jewel of West Africa, combining vibrant culture, fascinating history and singular landscapes.

Discover

A world of wonders

A jewel of West Africa, combining vibrant culture, fascinating history and singular landscapes.

A memorable destination in the heart of West Africa

Alibori Borgou Plateau Collines Ouémé Atacora Donga Zou Couffo Mono Atlantique Littoral
Select a region to discover:

Alibori

In the north, Alibori is home to the “W” National Park, famous for its wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Its lively markets, including Malanville, showcase local crafts and regional products.

Administrative centre
Kandi
Area
26 242 km²
Municipalities
6
Wildlife and landscapes of Pendjari National Park in Benin

Atacora

A mountainous region with lush green landscapes, impressive waterfalls and traditional tata somba, offering an authentic immersion in local culture.

Administrative centre
Natitingou
Area
20 499 km²
Municipalities
9
Green mountain ranges and landscapes of Atacora region

Borgou

In the northeast, the Borgou region boasts vast, picturesque landscapes. Parakou, its economic center, is an ideal starting point for exploring the local cultural and historical riches.

Administrative centre
Parakou
Area
25 856 km²
Municipalities
8
Horseman in a white robe galloping past a decorated cylindrical building.

Donga

In the north-west, Donga captivates with its natural landscapes. The region is renowned for the charm of its picturesque villages, where ancestral traditions blend with authentic beauty.

Administrative centre
Djougou
Area
11 126 km²
Municipalities
4
Daily life and historic commercial crossroads of Djougou

Collines

A central region, the Collines region enchants visitors with its charming villages. The natural beauty and warm welcome of the local people offer a memorable immersion in Beninese culture.

Administrative centre
Dassa-Zoumè
Area
13 931 km²
Municipalities
6
Scenic view of the hills and rocky landscapes of Dassa-Zoume

Plateau

The Plateau, to the south, stands out for its picturesque hills. The town of Kétou, birthplace of the UNESCO-listed Guèlèdè mask, reflects Benin’s ancestral traditions and cultural wealth.

Administrative centre
Pobè
Area
3 264 km²
Municipalities
5
Traditional Gelede mask during a cultural ceremony in Kétou

Zou

In the south, Zou is marked by Abomey, the former royal capital of the powerful kingdom of Dahomey, famous for its UNESCO-listed palaces. It is also home to a rich and exceptional cultural heritage.

Administrative centre
Abomey
Area
5 243 km²
Municipalities
9
Bas-reliefs and historic architecture of the Royal Palaces of Abomey

Couffo

Between lush plateaus and scenic waterways, Couffo is a haven of peace, calm and authenticity for nature lovers. From the fertile banks of the Couffo River to tranquil hills, immerse yourself in traditions that are still very much alive.

Administrative centre
Aplahoué
Area
2 404 km²
Municipalities
6
Harvesting and processing of high quality Beninese cotton

Ouémé

In the south-east, the Ouémé stands out for its historic city of Porto-Novo, rich in cultural heritage. Porto-Novo, the country’s capital, enchants with its historic monuments and fascinating museums.

Administrative centre
Porto-Novo
Area
1 281 km²
Municipalities
9
Grand Mosque of Porto-Novo

Atlantic

Renowned for its beaches and its famous pineapple, the Atlantic combines modernity and coastal charm, making it the perfect destination for lovers of relaxation and discovery, located along the southern coast.

Administrative centre
Allada
Area
3 233 km²
Municipalities
8
Routes of the Captives

Mono

To the south, the Mono offers heavenly beaches at Grand-Popo, a true coastal paradise with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, a haven of peace for relaxation and beach activities.

Administrative centre
Lokossa
Area
1 605 km²
Municipalities
6
Grand Popo Beach

Littoral

Located in the south of Benin, the Littoral combines urban dynamism and cultural richness. Discover Cotonou with its lively boulevards, craft markets and historic monuments. Its beaches and cultural events make it a vibrant place to be.

Administrative centre
Cotonou
Area
79 km²
Municipalities
1
Esplanade of the Amazon

Discover Benin’s rich blend of tradition and modernity

Discover a treasure trove of tourism, art & culture, innovation & economic opportunities. Explore Africa's oasis where tradition and modernity meet in harmony.

Discover a world of infinite tourist wonders

Explore Benin, where nature, beaches and lagoons mingle with a rich artistic and cultural heritage for an unforgettable tourist experience.
Discover our strengths
Cultural and historical reconnection with Afro-descendants

Benin,
a land of welcome and opportunity for Afro-descendants

Benin opens its doors wide to people of African descent who wish to reconnect with their roots and history.
Learn more

Discover a land of
know-how and investment

Nicknamed Africa's oasis, Benin is a land of investment. A stable country with abundant industrial and human resources.
Discover all the attractions of the country

Discover the emergence
of Africa’s new cultural crossroads

Discover the artistic and cultural wealth of Benin, where royal treasures and contemporary creations intertwine to reflect the vibrant soul of the country.
Discover our artistic and cultural assets
Skills development and technological innovation in Benin

Discover a land rich in human capital and innovation

For a number of years now, Benin has been distinguished by its strong innovation policies, supporting projects through incubators, accelerators and international research programs.
  • Training
  • Incubator
  • Accelerator
  • Research
Discover human capital and innovations
Vodun Days celebration in Ouidah

Vodun Days 2027

Vodun Days returns from 2 to 9 January 2027 for an exceptional fourth edition. Eight days of celebrating the arts, culture and spirituality.
January 2–9, 2027 – Ouidah
Official website of Vodun Days
Weloveya cultural and music festival celebrating Beninese youth

WeLoveEya 2026

WeLovEya returns in 2026 for another exceptional edition, celebrating African music, culture and talent in a festive and friendly atmosphere.
December 26–27, 2026 – Cotonou
Official website of WeLovEya
Spectacular parade of sacred masks at the Porto-Novo Mask Festival

Festival of Masks 2027

The Festival of Masks returns to Porto-Novo on 7 and 8 August 2027 for a new edition celebrating the richness of Benin's cultural heritage through masks, traditions, music and the arts.
7–8 August 2027 – Porto-Novo
Official website of Festival des Masques
JISTNA commemoration ceremony in Ouidah

JISTNA 2027

JISTNA – International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
August 22–23, 2027 – Ouidah
Official website of JISTNA
Royal horseman at the Gaani Festival in Nikki

Gaani 2027

The Bariba people's grand royal and cultural festival looks forward to welcoming you in 2027 for a new edition, on a date to be announced shortly.
2027 – Nikki
Official website of Gaani
Black Travel Summit

Black Travel Summit 2027

Benin to Host the First African Edition of the Black Travel Summit in 2027
2027 in Cotonou
More details

Vodun Days 2027

WeLoveEya 2026

Festival of Masks 2027

JISTNA 2027

Gaani 2027

Black Travel Summit 2027

They chose
Benin

Portrait of Gagan Gupta, founder and CEO of Arise IIP (GDIZ)
Gagan GUPTA
CEO of ARISE IIP

« All the indicators are in the green: political will, a trusting public-private partnership, investment in production and processing. One of our objectives is, in less than two years, to process the country’s entire cashew nut production on site, creating some 12,000 jobs. »

Portrait of Henri Giscard d'Estaing, President of Club Med
Henri Giscard d’Estaing
Club Med CEO

« We are very pleased to contribute to the unprecedented “Benin Revealed” development plan, which aims to give a lasting boost to the country’s economy through tourism, a major development axis, and to position Benin as one of West Africa’s leading tourist destinations. »

Portrait of Pascal de Izaguirre, CEO of Corsair Airlines
Pascal de Izaguirre
Corsair International CEO

« The government’s economic, cultural and tourism development program is very promising. Our mission as an air carrier is to support it by creating the conditions for optimal air connectivity to Benin as a destination. »

Portrait of Suzanne Céleste Delaunay-Belleville, Afro-descendant citizen
Suzanne Céleste Delaunay-Belleville
(Sa Majesté) Manbo Zila Moyo Nzingha Nandi

« Benin is a land of reconnection and opportunities for all Afro-descendants who wish to co-build and write a new chapter of our shared future. »

Portrait of Martial Akhsamiya, Afro-descendant returning to his ancestral land
Akhsamiya MARTIAL

« We chose Benin as a country of return for its stability, its strong historical ties with the Caribbean, its clear commitment to preserving, promoting, and transmitting its heritage, culture, and indigenous values. »

Portrait of Nader Fakhry, explorer and digital content creator
Nader Fakhry
Content creator and founder of the "L'Afrique C'est Chic" program

« What’s important to remember is that Benin is in the process of making tourism an important part of its economic development, with memorial tourism by retracing the slave route with Ouidah as the key town, seaside tourism with its beautiful beaches such as Grand-Popo, but also watering holes with rivers and lakes, and of course cultural tourism with Vodun, which has its roots in Benin. »

Portrait of Emma Vidal, travel enthusiast and content creator
Emma Vidal
Content creator - (@girlaroundafrica on Instagram)

« This country has fascinated me since my first visit in 2019. Since then I’ve been back to Benin 3 times and what a pleasure to see the tourism sector developing so quickly and well. The culture and welcome, the local food and above all the landscapes are incredible. In my top 3 in French-speaking Africa! »

Resource library

The Benin Communication Kit contains images, videos and information documents to show what Benin has to offer as a land of tourism, investment and know-how, art and culture, and innovation and human capital.