Living in Benin guide for expats

The climate of Benin is tropical, which means it is hot and humid for the most of the year. The hottest period is from February to April with temperatures averaging at 27.5°C, but in general, temperatures don't drop much lower during the rest of the year.

Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo, which is celebrated annually on Benin's Voodoo Day, and it's not hard for a newcomer to observe that it's a big part of the culture. There are Voodoo temples and markets selling associated items, such as plants and animal parts. However, Catholics and Muslim are both sharing almost equal parts of the religion pie, and make up the majority of the believers.

Many areas of Benin remain untouched by man, meaning there is plenty of natural beauty in the landscape. Benin has many national parks where one can witness the local wildlife, such as elephants, buffalo, leopards, and crocodiles roaming freely.

The capital city of Porto-Novo is a great place to get to know the history of Benin through the museums and its people. The marketplace is the hub of the community in Port-Novo, as well as of other towns and villages across the country. In the markets, you will discover the sights and smells of the Benin culture, from local foods and spices to the brightly coloured clothes.

Expats in Benin will enjoy the benefits of a stable democracy and an economic growth. However, the country still stands among the poorest countries in the world ' a title that the government is fighting against.