Why is Benin French?

The sole official language of Benin is French, according to title I, article I of the Constitution of Benin. French was introduced during the colonial period and retained as the official language upon independence. Today it is an important lingua franca between diverse ethnic groups.

Was Benin colonized by the French?

Benin was a French colony from the late 19th century until 1960.

How did the French colonize Benin?

The French established a commercial agreement with the kingdom in 1851 and gradually consolidated their control of Dahomey until, in 1904, it was made a colony within French West Africa. The independent nation of Dahomey was established on Aug.

Does Benin speak French?

The 2013 census records over 68 languages spoken in Benin, making it one of Africa's most linguistically diverse countries. French is the country's official language, while Fon, Yom and Yoruba have the status of national languages.

Why did France invade Africa?

The French colonial encounter in West Africa was driven by commercial interests and, perhaps to a lesser degree, a civilizing mission. The political administration and the economic interests were fairly uniform throughout the colonial period.

‘An emotional moment’ as Benin welcomes back looted treasures from France • FRANCE 24 English

Who founded Benin?

The historical kingdom of Benin was established in the forested region of West Africa in the 1200s C.E. According to history, the Edo people of southern Nigeria founded Benin.

What country Benin before?

Background: Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as the Republic of Benin.

Is Benin part of Yoruba?

Benin Kingdom in Edo is Yoruba territory — Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Tuesday said Benin Kingdom in Edo State remained part of the expansive Yoruba race, a pronouncement that may spark fresh rivalry and altercation between people of the two ancient kingdoms.

Why is Benin so poor?

One reason is poor agricultural practices. Cotton makes up about 70 percent of Benin's export earnings, so the country's economy is at risk of low levels of crop production. The country's emphasis on cotton has led to land degradation, making it even more difficult for small-scale Beninese farmers to earn a living.

Was Benin a German colony?

The boundary with the German colony of Togo to the west was settled by the Franco-German conventions of 1885 and 1899. The present frontiers of Benin were established in 1909, when the boundaries with the neighbouring French colonies of Upper Volta and Niger were delimited.

What did the Portuguese do to Benin?

The Portuguese reached the coast of Benin in 1489, establishing relations that lasted for 400 years. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the rulers of Benin conquered their neighbors to control the supply of goods traded with the Europeans. Benin Kingdom did not have direct access to gold.

What is Benin Togo ethnicity?

Benin's largest ethnic group is the Fon (39%), followed by the Adja (15%), Yoruba (12%) and Bariba (9%). Togo's largest ethnic groups are the Ewe (21%), Kabye (12%), Mina (3.2%) and Kotokoli (3.2%).

Where did Edo migrated from?

In another work Egharevba specifies that the first wave of migration took place from Sudan via the present-day Nupeland in the 7th century A.D and the second, from Egypt via Sahara and Ife in the beginning of the 8th century (Egharevba 1965: 8 f).

What is voodoo in Benin?

In Benin, worshippers of Voodoo, a religion that worships gods and natural spirits, have gathered to pay their respects to the deities. The meeting takes place on the beach in Ouidah, a former slave trading hub, by the Atlantic Ocean. Mami Wata is the most revered deity.

What was Benin previously called?

Colonial Benin (formerly, République du Dahomey/Republic of Dahomey) Dahomey was a French colony of and a part of French West Africa from 1904 to 1959. Under the French, a port was constructed at Cotonou, and railroads were built.

What percentage of Benin speak French?

French, a legacy of the French colonial rule in Benin, is the official language of Benin. The language is spoken by about 4 million people, constituting around 35% of Benin's population.

How do you say hello in Benin?

This is used in Benin and neighboring communities. It is a way of saying “hello” or “how are you”. It's an informal greeting that can be used any time of day in any kind of situation. When you are not sure how to greet somebody, it is always appropriate to say “Kóyo ”.

Why do they speak French in Burkina Faso?

The official language is French, which was introduced when France colonized Burkina Faso in 1919. French is the principal language of administrative, political and judicial institutions, public services, and the press. It is the only language for laws, administration and courts.

Why France still controls Africa?

As of 2021, France still retains the largest military presence in Africa of any former colonial power. France maintains a tight stranglehold in Francophone Africa, both to serve its interests and maintain a last bastion of imperial prestige.

Which countries of Africa are French colonies?

In 1830 France established its first African after ceasing Algier followed by several others in South East Asia. Other African countries colonized by France include Gambia, Chad, Mali, Togo, Sudan, Gabon, Tunisia, Niger, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and several others.

Was Morocco a French colony?

Moroccans celebrate November 18 as Independence Day in commemoration of their Sultan's return from exile in 1955 and Morocco's transition from French protectorate to autonomous nation the following year. France claimed Morocco as a protectorate in 1912.