Cotonou

Cotonou, population 800,000 ( 2005 ), is the seat of government of Benin , though the official Capital is Porto-Novo . Cotonou's Airport and roads and rail facilities make it the transportation and communications hub of the country. Cotonou is located at 6°22' North, 2°26' East (6.36667, 2.4333). {Link without Title}

The city lies in the south east of the country, between the Atlantic Ocean and Nokoué Lake , around the Cotonou Lagoon (actually a Strait ).

The city is best known as a major Port , and is also home to an Airport and a Railway to Parakou . Features of Cotonou include Cotonou Friendship Stadium , Cotonou Cathedral , Cotonou Central Mosque and Dantokpa Market , which includes a Fetish Market . The National University Of Benin is located in Cotonou.

Manufactures include Palm Oil and Cake , Brewing , Textiles , and Cement . Motor Vehicles and Bicycle s are assembled, and there are Sawmill s in the city. Petroleum products, Bauxite and Iron are exported. Offshore drilling for Oil is carried on.

Cotonou was originally dominated by the Kingdom of Dahomey from the 18th Century . In 1851 the French made a treaty with the Dahomean King Gezo that allowed them to establish a trading post at Cotonou. In 1883 the French navy occupied the city to prevent British conquest of the area.

SEE ALSO

Cotonou Agreement

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