What is the history of Benin and how did it get its name?
Posted on Jan 06, 2026 / Travel
Benin has a rich history shaped by powerful pre‑colonial kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Dahomey in the south and various Bariba kingdoms in the north. Portuguese explorers arrived in the region in the late 15th century and later European colonisers, especially the French, expanded their influence. The modern state was colonised by France in the late 19th century and was known as Dahomey until it became the Republic of Benin upon independence in 1960. The name “Benin” comes from the Bight of Benin on the Gulf of Guinea rather than the historical Benin Kingdom in present‑day Nigeria. Over time, Benin has navigated colonial rule, internal political changes, and the transition to a democratic government in the early 1990s. Historic sites and traditions from the pre‑colonial period are still evident throughout the country today. This layered history contributes to Benin’s complex national identity.
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