Parakou

Department

Parakou, with about 200,000 inhabitants, is the fourth largest city of the Republic of Benin and the capital of the department of Borgou.

Nearly a third of the population belongs to the Bariba; Fon, Yoruba Dendi and have to a proportion of about 50% of the population Parakous. Half of the population are Muslims, Christians one third.

The approximately 320 m above sea town on the north -south main road that connects the coast of Benin with the internal state of Niger, is also the end point of the important railway line from Cotonou on the Gulf of Guinea.

Parakou is a major market place for rural surroundings within a radius of 50 kilometers. The manufacturing industry is focused on the production of peanut oil, kapok and beverages ( brewery).

On 4 February 1993, Pope John Paul II paid the city a visit and had a meeting with Muslim representatives at the Centre d' Departmental alphabétisation you Borgou and a Mass in the local stadium.

On 16 October 1997 the Archdiocese of Parakou was built with the suffragan Kandi, Natitingou and Djougou. The Catholic Cathédrale Saints Pierre et Paul is one of the landmarks of the city.