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Benin
In 1625 indigenous slave traders, known as the Fon, founded the kingdom of Dahomey. They conquered the neighboring Dan and Allada and extended their kingdom to the coast. A trading post was set up in 1857 by the French at Grand-Popo. In 1892 Dahomey became a French protectorate and part of French West Africa in 1904. Independence was gained in 1960 and the country was renamed Benin in 1975.
A Brief History of Benin
A brief introduction to the history of Benin from the time of early humans to the present day.
Benin Timeline -- Timeline of Benin from Prehistory to Present Day
A chronology of key events in Benin's history
Leaders of Benin (Dahomey) Since Independence
A list of the Beninese (Dahomeyan) leaders since gaining independence on 1 August 1960.
Hubert Coutoucou Maga
Hubert Coutoucou Maga was a moderate political activist, a nationalist, and the first president of Dahomey (now Benin). His periods of rule were marked by a failing economy and social unrest. His first period as president, in the early 1960s, was brought to an end by military coup. His two year stint as president as part of a Presidential...