The Benin Republic is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, and Burkina Faso to the north. It has a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The capital city is Porto-Novo, but the largest city is Cotonou. The official language is French, and the country has a diverse culture influenced by various ethnic groups. Benin is known for its rich history, particularly as the center of the Dahomey Kingdom, which thrived in the 18th and 19th centuries. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cotton being a significant export. Additionally, Benin is famous for its vibrant arts, including traditional music and crafts.