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For many visitors, the rich cultural diversity of Benin's people is one of the country's most interesting attractions. Benin's population of approximately 6.5 million is made up of over twenty different socio-cultural groups, each having a distinct history, language, and traditions. What remains constant among all of Benin's people, however, is friendliness and hospitality. The remarkable openness and warmth with which the people welcome strangers and engage them in conversation allow visitors to experience Beninese culture on a very personal level. Whether bargaining with vendors in the busy Abomey market or visiting the famous "tata somba" homes of the Betamaribé people in the North, some of the most memorable experiences from any visit to Benin will surely come from the local people.

The South

The largest socio-cultural groups in the South are the Fon and Yoruba. Over half of Benin's people are Fon, and the Fon language is the predominant local language in most of the South, although there are many slight variations. Goun, for example, is very close to Fon, as the Goun people, who are concentrated in the Southeast, near Porto Novo, are closely related to the Fon. The Adja people make up another group closely related to the Fon; they are concentrated in the Southwest, near the city of the same name.

Historically, the Fon were one of the most powerful civilizations in West Africa. It was the Fon who built the kingdom of Dahomey, which dominated much of present-day Benin before colonization by the French. A visit to Abomey is the best way to learn more about the Fon, as Abomey was the capital of the Dahomey kingdom and is still one of the centers of the Fon. There, you can visit Dahomey's palace ruins as well as the Museum of History, which is a United Nations World Heritage site because of its historical and cultural importance.

The Yoruba are concentrated in the southeastern and central regions of Benin. Akin to the famous Yoruba people of Nigeria, they make up 12% of Benin's population.

The North

The largest cultural groups in the North are the Bariba, Dendi, and Betamaribé or "Somba" people. The Bariba originated in the northern part of Nigeria and are most concentrated in the northeast region of Benin, around the city of Nikki. While they are mostly farmers and shepherds, the Bariba are especially known for their bright, colorful cloth designs which are woven by the women and used to make traditional clothing. The largest and most notable Bariba celebration is the annual Gaani Feast in Nikki.
The Dendi are most concentrated in the northwest of Benin, between Parakou and Natitingou. They are believed to have migrated from the ancient empire of Mali before settling in Benin. They are mostly farmers, and they also breed cattle which they put in the custody of the nomadic Fulani. The Fulani (or Peulh) people are common throughout the North of Benin and are most often seen during the dry season, when they travel with their cattle in search of water.

The last main group in the North is the Betamaribé or "Somba" people, who are concentrated in the Atacora mountains in the northwest of Benin. This group is particularly known for the unique architectural style of their "tata somba" houses, which resemble small castles. These houses, along with some of the most beautiful scenery in Benin, can best be viewed in the mountains around Natitingou, Boukoumbé, and Tanguieta.

Main socio-cultural groups of Benin by region:

Southwest (Mono department): Adja, Ouatchi, Gen, Houeda, Houla

South (Atlantique department): Fon, Aizo, Toli, Toffin

Southeast (Ouémè department): Goun, Yoruba Center (Zou department): Yoruba, Fon, Mahi

North andNortheast (Borgou department): Batombu, Dendi, Fulbe

Northwest (Atakora department): Betamaribe, Waaba, Yowa