 Benin
Park Student Profile
Herve Kiki
Hometown: Cotonou
Herve describes his hometown:
I was born in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin. Since we were colonized
by French, French is the official language; but there are many spoken dialects
in Cotonou. I will say the main one is Fon although I speak Goun (somehow
similar). Dantokpa, one of the biggest markets in West Africa is in Cotonou.
Christianity is the dominant religion, but we also have a lot of Moslems and
their holidays required the same attention like Christians’ holidays.
Six years ago there were 2 bridges that linked what I will call the “downtown”
to the residential area. But an additional bridge has been added and we
currently have 3 bridges. I have not yet seen that bridge. People work usually
from 8:00 to 12:30; they have a long break until 3:00 and come back to work from
3:00 to 6:30. In the evening friends will hangout, chat or have drinks.
Partygoers will head to clubs Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday nights from 11:00
PM to 6:00 AM.
A little overcrowded city I will say, pollution is a major problem. Cars,
motorcycles, scooters, two wheelers and pedestrians cause the daily heavy
traffic in Cotonou. Buildings and houses are bricks edifices. During rainy
season, floods can occur depending on the precipitation.
Summer time is more fun because all students are in vacation. Friends will get
together to play soccer, play cards or boards games; play video games where
people players compete to see who is the best. Some people will be going to
sleep when others are waking up for their chores.
About Benin
Government: Republic
President: Yayi Boni
Geography: Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between
Nigeria and Togo.
Population: 7,862,944
Capital city: Porto-Novo
Official language: French
For more information on Benin, visit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benin
For more information on Cotonou, visit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotonou
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