Cotonou

Cotonou is the largest city and principal economic center of Benin. It is situated along the Atlantic coast in the southern part of the country, near the Gulf of Guinea and Lake Nokoué. The official capital of Benin is Porto-Novo, while Cotonou serves as the country’s major commercial and urban hub.

The city functions as Benin’s main port and commercial gateway to West Africa. The Port of Cotonou handles cargo and container traffic and supports import–export activity across a variety of sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Cotonou’s Dantokpa Market is one of West Africa’s largest open-air markets, reflecting the city’s prominence as a trading center. The formal economy sits alongside a large informal sector.

Ganvié, a village on nearby Lake Nokoué, is a notable nearby attraction; the city also features educational and cultural institutions, residential neighborhoods, and growing services and industry. The Cadjehoun Airport serves domestic and international flights, linking Cotonou to regional and global destinations.

Cotonou is cosmopolitan, with diverse ethnic communities. French is the official language, and local languages such as Fon and Yoruba are widely spoken across the city.