Independence Day of Benin
BENIN was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. Dahomey became a French colony in 1946, after the end of World War II. In 1958, France granted it autonomy, and the territory was named the Republic of Dahomey. Full independence was achieved by the Republic on August 1, 1960, and its first president was Hubert Maga. The one and a half decades that followed were periods of political instability. Four major figures dominated the region, and the period experienced several coups. In 1975, the country was renamed People’s Republic of Benin.
Independence Day is observed nationwide in the French-speaking country of Benin. It features the hoisting of the national flag, singing of the national anthem, and speeches of the country’s prominent national leaders highlighting the milestones reached by the country.
Benin is a narrow, north-south strip of land in West Africa. It is bordered by Togo in the west, Nigeria in the east, and Burkina Faso and Niger in the north. It is on the Bight of Benin. Its capital, Porto-Novo, is a port on an inlet of the Gulf of Guinea that is located in the southeastern section of the country. Benin’s largest city, however, is Cotonou, which is the seat of the country’s government. The country has several interesting places to see, including historical and specialty museums; art galleries; religious sites such as the Great Mosque of Porto-Novo, the Grande Mosquee de Zongo in Cotonou, and the Parakou Mosque in Parakou; the Royal Palaces of Abomey in Abomey; and the Stade de l’Amitie which has facilities for various sports activities.
The Philippines and Benin have had a long history of diplomatic relations. A significant number of overseas Filipino workers work as professionals in the information technology, telecommunications, and construction sectors of Benin. Benin has a Consulate Office in Manila, while the Philippines has a Consulate Office in Cotonou.
We greet the People and Government of the Republic of Benin, led by President Patrice Talon, on the occasion of its Independence Day Anniversary.