Countries Of Africa, Benin Mini Unit Study

Countries of Africa Student’s Notes & Lesson Plans

Benin St Aiden’s Homeschool South Africa

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Benin Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in Western Africa, formerly known as Dahomey (until 1975) or Dahomania. It borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north; its short coastline to the south leads to the Bight of Benin. Its capital is Porto Novo, but the seat of government is Cotonou.

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Motto "Fraternité, Justice, Travail" (French) "Fellowship, Justice, Labour" Anthem L'Aube Nouvelle (French) The Dawn of a New Day Capital

Porto Novo1 6°28′N, 2°36′E

Largest city

Cotonou

Official languages French Multiparty democracy

Government -

President

Yayi Boni from France

Independence -

Date

August 1, 1960

Area -

Total

112,622 km² (101st) 43,483 sq mi

Water (%)

1.8

Population - July 2005 estimate

8,439

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Flag (image):

Coat of Arms

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Provinces and municipalities Departments and communes

Departments of Benin

Benin is divided into 12 departments (French: départements), and subdivided into 77 communes. In 1999, the previous six departments were each split into two halves, forming the current 12. The new six departments have not been assigned a capital yet.

1. Alibori 2. Atakora 3. Atlantique 4. Borgou 5. Collines 6. Donga 7. Kouffo 8. Littoral 9. Mono 10. Ouémé 11. Plateau 12. Zou

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This is a list of cities and towns in Benin • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Abomey Abomey-Calavi Allada Aplahoué Athiémé Banikoara Bassila Bembèrèkè Bétérou Bohicon Bori Boukoumbé Comé Cotonou Cové Dassa-Zoumé Djougou Dogbo-Tota Ganvie Grand Popo Kandi Kérou Kétou Kouandé Lokossa Malanville Natitingou Ndali Nikki Ouidah Parakou Péhonko Pobé Porga Porto Novo Sakété Savalou Savé Ségbana Tanguiéta Tchaourou

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BLANK OUTLINE MAP

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How many? Look at the sentence below and create as many words as you can using the letters in the sentence. The Republic of Benin, is a country in Western Africa

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ANSWER KEY 1

2 N

I

G

E

R

I

A N

3 T

T

4

5 F

E

L

L

O

W

S

H

I

P

R

G

E

O

E

O

M

R

6 B

E

N

I

N

T 7

C

C

O

8 H

C

O

M

M

U

N

T

O

O

V

E

S

9 F

R

A

N

C

E

U

O U

Across

Down

1.

This country borders Benin to the East. (7)

2.

"The Dawn of The New Day" is the National A.... of Benin. (6)

4.

The motto of Benin (in English) is "F............. Justice, Labour" (10)

3.

This country borders Angola on the west. (4)

6.

This country is in Western Africa and is the subject we are studying. (5)

4.

This is the official language. (6)

5.

This is the capital city (2 words). (9)

8.

Benin is divided into 12 departments and 77 of these. (8)

7.

This is the city where the Government has its main seat. It is also the largest city in the country. (7)

9.

This country obtained independence from F.... on 01 August 1960. (6)

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Teaching Notes & Lesson Plans Where is it? How big is it? How long are the boundaries? What is the climate like? What is the land like? What natural resources are there? How is the land used? What dangerous things are there? Describe the people. What languages are spoken? What wildlife is there? What is the national flower or plant? What is the national animal? Are there endangered animals? Name the biggest city. What is the capital city? Can you label the towns on the blank map? Where does the seat of government sit? Famous people from this country. Are there well known tourist attractions? Are there any World Heritage Sites? What arts and crafts are unique to this country? Create your own African craft. Are there any famous African myths, legends or fables that originate from this country? Write your own short African story. www.staidenshomeschool.com 2007 ©

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Terms of Use St Aiden’s Homeschool © 2007 This mini-unit study/lesson plan is the property of D E Davis and/or www.staidenshomeschool.com and may not be altered or amended in any manner. Please feel free to use this document in your classrooms, at home or you may upload it to your own website in its entirety*. This document may be freely distributed* but may not be sold for profit by any person/s or organisations. Thank you for respecting International Copyright Laws. *this document may be freely distributed and utilised without alteration, amendment or addition i.e. in this original format. D E Davis, St Aiden’s Homeschool Republic of South Africa Date of Publication: 24 August 2007

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