The tiny African nation of Benin is an exotic, vibrant nation, with a unique culture and a dark past.

The Republic of Benin has a population of around 7.5 million and lies between the Niger River to the north and the Bight of Benin to the south.

The country is slightly smaller than Pennsylvania and is located in west Africa, bordering Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso and Niger. Benin is a long, thin country with a 121km coastline and consists mainly of dramatic savanna and highlands.

The official languages include French and indigenous Fon and Yoruba. Around half of the population still follows animism and voodoo religions, with the remainder either Muslims or Christians.

Modern Benin covers a similar area to the old west African kingdom of Dahomey, which grew more powerful in the 1400s and ruled a large proportion of west Africa by the 17th century. The area engaged in slave trading with European explorers and a harsh society developed that indulged in ritualistic human sacrifice and execution.

Benin eventually fell under French rule in 1892, shortly after the slave trade had ended for good. Benin declared independence from France on August 1st 1960 as the Republic of Dahomey and witnessed a period of ethnic turbulence, during which a number of coups took place.

The country is now a multi-party democracy and, although it is still struggling from problems caused by disease, poverty and the Aids epidemic, the 2006 election was declared free and fair and it is working hard to improve economic and social standards.

The voodoo, or vodun, religion is still very much alive in Benin, its place of origin. Introduced to South America and the Caribbean by slaves, voodoo culture is a big draw for tourists, who flock to the fetish markets and Voodoo sites, such as Ouidah.

The capital city, Porto Novo, and the seat of government, Cotonou, are located in the southern coastal plains. Small, pretty Porto Novo is a historical city located by the sea, with charming streets, buildings and an excellent ethnographical museum.

Cotonou is the largest city and is situated on the edge of a lagoon and is a multicultural place, full of lively bars, restaurants and nightclubs and famous for its vast Grand Marche de Dantokpa, where sellers offer holiday makers everything from Voodoo potions to radios.

The quirky stilt villages and mud fortresses unique to Benin are worth visiting, as is Abomey and its fascinating Musee Historique d'Abomey, which consists of ancient palaces and houses royal items and macabre voodoo artefacts.

Nature lovers should head for the large Parc National de Pendjari national park, which is home to an array of plant and animal species, including lions, elephants, hippos, baboons and leopards. Guided tours are available through the breathtaking landscape, stopping at the busy watering holes and stunning waterfalls.

Benin's tourist industry is starting to flourish, with the country attracting more and more holiday makers each year. However, secluded and even empty beaches can still be found and many of the smaller towns and villages appear to have changed little over the years.

accommodation in the main cities and the national park is much improved and there are some larger luxury hotels available, with tasty local and international food served up in many of the restaurants.

The weather in Benin is hot and dry for most of the year, with two short rainy seasons and dust winds in winter. Flights to the country are available from France, Belgium and many African nations.

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