Trivia in Benin

National symbols

Flag: Aspect ratio 2:3. Left third is green, right upper half is yellow, lower half is red, composed of Pan-African colors. The former flag before the 1975-1990 socialist regime was restored.

Emblem: Shield-shaped with Dahomey Kingdom motifs in center, two-horned castle gate and star above, sailing ship and fern branch below. Two leopards support the shield on either side.

Trivia & facts

• Benin is said to be the first African country where incumbent president was defeated through peaceful election (1991)
• Voodoo religion spread worldwide originated from southern Benin Fon beliefs
• Cotonou port serves as logistics lifeline for landlocked Niger
• Multilingual nation with over 55 ethnic languages besides French
• Flag colors green-yellow-red symbolize agriculture, wealth, and courage
• Northern Benin''s two-story mud tata somba houses are fortress remnants
• Japanese development assistance helped establish drying facilities for cocoa quality improvement
• Most vehicles in Benin are used motorcycle taxis called ''tokology''
• "Mingabuo" in Fon language means "thank you"
• Official capital Porto-Novo means ''new port'' in Portuguese