Benin has five different, most wonderful
natural regions. The coastal area is low, flat, sandy and is backed by exquisite
lagoons. North of the coast is the 'barre' country, a fertile clay plateau.
North and west of the 'barre' are the Benin plateaus. The Atakora Mountains in
the northwest are a continuation of the Togo mountain range. In the northeast
are the plains of the Niger River valley.
Benin is a small country, occupying
only an area of 112,600 square kilometres (43,475 square miles) and is one of
West Africa's most densely populated states. Many ethnic groups live here but
the Fon, Bariba, Yoruba, and Somba peoples make up most of the population.
Although French is the official language the people use, Fon, Adja, Bariba,
Yoruba, Fulani and other languages are used in their everyday life.
