Benin
Estimate population 9,324,900 - Capital City Porto-Novo
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.