Benin is a country in West Africa on the southern coast of the continent.

Location in Africa

Benin lies between Nigeria to the east and Togo to the west, with Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. It has a short coastline on the Bight of Benin, which is part of the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean.

Key geographic facts

Benin is a long, narrow north–south strip of land, extending from the Gulf of Guinea up toward the Niger River. Its official capital is Porto-Novo, while Cotonou is the largest city and the seat of government.