By Tim Lambert
Early Benin
The African country of Benin is named after the Empire of Benin, which once existed in what is now Nigeria. Before the 19th century, what is now Benin was divided into different states. The Portuguese began trading with the region in the 16th century. In the 17th century, the British, French, and Dutch followed. Vast numbers of slaves were exported from the area. Most of them were captured in war and sold to the Europeans.
From the 17th to the 19th centuries, the most important kingdom was Dahomey in southern Benin. They exported many slaves. However, in 1852, the British forced them to stop. The king of Dahomey sought to diversify the economy by exporting palm oil rather than slaves. However, in 1894, the French conquered the kingdom of Dahomey.
Modern Benin
Dahomey became independent on 1 August 1960. Its first president was Hubert Maga. However, he was removed by a coup in 1963. In 1972, a Marxist named Mathieu Kerekou seized power. He introduced Socialist policies. In 1975, Dahomey was renamed the People’s Republic of Benin. In 1989-1990, dissatisfaction in Benin caused a wave of unrest. The government abandoned Marxism. Elections were held in 1991. Nicephore Soglo was elected president. In 1990 the country’s name was changed to The Republic of Benin.
Today, Benin is still a poor country. Its main export is cotton. However, the economy is growing, and there is hope for the future. In 2026, the population of Benin was 14 million.
