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Benin
(be nēn′, -nin′)
- former native kingdom (fl. 14th-17th cent.) in W Africa, including what came to be known as the Slave Coast
- country in WC Africa, on the Bight of Benin: formerly a French territory, it became independent in 1960: 43,484 sq mi (112,622 sq km); pop. 4,855,000; cap. Porto Novo
- N part of the Gulf of Guinea, just west of the Niger delta
See Benin in American Heritage Dictionary 4
- A former kingdom of western Africa, now part of Nigeria. It flourished from the 14th to the 17th century.
- Formerly Da·ho·mey (də-hōˈmē, dä-ô-māˈ) A country of western Africa. Originally made up of several ancient kingdoms colonized by France in the 19th century, it became independent in 1960 and was renamed Benin in 1975. Porto-Novo is the capital and Cotonou the largest city. Population: 8,080,000.
- also Benin City A city of southern Nigeria on the Benin River, about 161 km (100 mi) long. The city is known for its bronze works of art. Population: 1,120,000.
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Benin
, Bight of
A wide indentation of the Gulf of Guinea in western Africa.
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