Cotonou is the seat of government of the Republic of Benin, where most of the government buildings are situated, government departments operate and foreign embassies are located, but the official capital, where the national legislature sits, is the smaller city of Porto-Novo.
The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has arrested Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, a Lagos-based businessman, in Cotonou, Benin Republic over allegations of murder in Lagos state.
Following an exposé by undercover journalist, Umar Audu, revealing his detailed acquisition of a degree from a university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and subsequent undetected deployment to Cross ...
The Nation Newspaper: President off to Cotonou for Benin Republic’s 63rd independence anniversary
Cotonou, port city and de facto capital of Benin. It is situated along the Gulf of Guinea. Originally part of the Dahomey Kingdom, it is the starting point of the so-called Benin-Niger Railway, which extends northward 273 miles (439 km) into the interior but ends in the middle of Benin at Parakou.
Home to many diplomatic services and the largest population in the country, Cotonou is the de facto capital of Benin, although not the official one. Its location at the crossroads between numerous neighboring countries makes it a commercial hub, instrumental in opening trade to the African interior.
Cotonou, Benin: All You Must Know Before You Go (2026) - Tripadvisor
Cotonou, Benin ‘s main city, offers a captivating blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. This coastal city, with its bustling markets and serene waterways, provides a perfect introduction to Beninese life.
Cotonou, Benin: What to Know Before You Go (and What’s Worth Your Time)