Benin Gained Independence From France in 1960

Government institutions are split between the two, and Cotonou remains the main economic center.

A national conference that year ended one-party Marxist rule, and Benin became one of the first African countries to hold multiparty elections.

The religion is practiced by millions and is officially recognized in Benin, which celebrates a national Vodun Day each January 10.

The country took the name Benin under its Marxist government, after the Bight of Benin, though the name has no link to the ancient Benin Kingdom.