Cotonou

Department

Cotonou [ kɔtɔnu ] is the main town in the West African country of Benin and economic center as well as the seat of government of the country. Capital is Porto Novo, however, where the Parliament is located. The city forms the Department Littoral.

Population

Cotonou has 690 584 inhabitants ( 2005).

Population development:

History

The name of the city of Cotonou is derived from Ku- Tonu, which means about the mouth of the river of death in the language of Fon. It was originally a fishing village located on a lagoon and evolved over time into a transit place for the overseas trade of the kings of Dahomey.

Cotonou belonged in the 18th century the Kingdom of Dahomey. 1851 France concluded an agreement with the king dahomeyschen drawn, which allowed him to set up a trading post at Cotonou. 1883 occupied the French navy, the town, to prevent Britain from the territory to conquer.

Infrastructure

COTONOU airport, road and rail links make it the central hub of the country.

Economy

It produces palm oil, beer, textiles and cement, as well as motor vehicles and bicycles and there are sawmills in the city. Be exported petroleum products, bauxite and iron. Off the coast is drilled for oil.

Markets

  • The international market in Dantokpa district is one of the largest in West Africa.
  • The Fish Market begins daily early morning
  • The fruit market in the Ganhi district is just as busy as
  • The art market.

Sons and daughters of the town

  • Georges Adéagbo ( born 1942 ), installation artists
  • René -Marie Ehouzou CIM (1944-2012), Bishop of Porto Novo
  • Djimon Hounsou (born 1964 ), model and actor
  • Coffi Codjia (born 1967 ), football referee

Air table

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