What is the capital of Benin?
Porto-Novo stands on an inlet of the Gulf of Guinea in the south-eastern corner of Benin, about 38 metres above sea level.
Porto-Novo is the capital and seat of government of Benin, a role it has held since 1900. Benin itself has an estimated population of 14,814,460 (2025).
Porto-Novo is not the largest city in Benin. That is Cotonou, which makes Benin one of the countries whose capital is not their biggest city.
Porto-Novo at a glance
| City population | 264,320 (2013) |
|---|---|
| Country | 🇧🇯 Benin |
| Founded | 16th century |
| Capital since | 1900 |
| Largest city in Benin | Cotonou |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (WAT) |
| Currency | West African CFA franc (XOF) |
About Porto-Novo
The town was developed by the Portuguese as a port for the transatlantic slave trade; its name is Portuguese for 'new port'.
Porto-Novo has been the capital of Benin since 1900, when it became the capital of French Dahomey, a status it kept after Benin became independent in 1960.
Porto-Novo is the official capital and the seat of the national legislature, but the larger city of Cotonou is where the government and most of the administration actually sit, so Benin is one of the few countries with a split capital.
It is Benin's second-largest city.
The city is also known by its Yoruba name Ajase and its Fon name Hogbonu.
Porto-Novo accepted French protection in 1863 after a British bombardment.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Porto-Novo.
Frequently asked questions
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Capitals of neighbouring countries
See the full profile of Benin on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.