Benin

The country that became home

A small West African state, facing the Gulf of Guinea, rich in history, cultures and traditions. This is where ANAN works every day, alongside local communities.

Population

~ 13 million

Capital

Porto-Novo

Official language

French

Currency

CFA Franc

Geography

Between sea, savannah and forest

Benin covers about 115,000 km² and borders Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria. To the south it opens onto the Gulf of Guinea via a narrow coastal strip where Pahou is located, the village that hosts ONG ANAN's base and from where we operate.

The climate is tropical: hot and humid in the south, drier in the north. The seasons are marked by rains that shape the rhythms of farming and daily life.

River winding through the rainforest of southern Benin

Colourful Zangbeto masks during a vodun ceremony

Culture

Dignity, community, welcome

Benin is the cradle of vodun (voodoo), a spiritual tradition that is still today an integral part of daily life and coexists peacefully with Christianity and Islam.

Dozens of ethnic groups (Fon, Yoruba, Bariba, Adja...) share a strong sense of community and the habit of greeting even strangers. A culture where respect for elders and welcoming guests are central values.

Everyday life

Glimpses of Benin

Snapshots from the streets, villages and lagoons that tell the country better than a thousand words.

Dancer in traditional white attire — Ritual dance

Path across the savannah leading to a village — Towards the village

Child on a canoe in Ganvié, the stilt village — Ganvié, on the water

Weaver at the loom in the courtyard — At the loom

Benin flag waving against the sky — Colours of the country

Fisherman standing on a canoe on the lagoon — Fishing on the lagoon

Why Benin

A choice born from the heart

For Elisa, Benin has become home. Living alongside people every day allows us to understand real needs and to build concrete, respectful answers.

"Since July 2020 I have been living in Pahou, in a developing neighbourhood, Kpodovi. Here I built my home and I try to live as much as possible with open and curious eyes on what surrounds me."

- Elisa Zaccagna