African Cities Timeline
Discover the rich history and development of African cities from ancient settlements to modern metropolises
Ouidah
Benin Atlantique
Location
6.37, 2.08Historic slave port, center of Vodun culture and heritage.
Economic Role
Tourism, cultural heritage, traditional crafts, fishing industry.
Allada
Benin Atlantique
Location
6.67, 2.15Historic city, center of Fon culture and traditional administration.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, traditional crafts, local commerce.
Grand-Popo
Benin Mono
Location
6.28, 1.82Coastal city, center of fishing industry and tourism.
Economic Role
Fishing industry, tourism, coastal commerce, traditional crafts.
Kétou
Benin Plateau
Location
7.37, 2.60Historic city, center of Yoruba culture and traditions.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, traditional crafts, local markets, regional commerce.
Abomey
Benin Zou
Location
7.18, 1.98Historic capital of Dahomey Kingdom, UNESCO World Heritage site.
Economic Role
Tourism, cultural heritage, traditional crafts, agricultural center.
Porto-Novo
Benin Ouémé
Location
6.50, 2.63Political capital of Benin, center of government and administration.
Economic Role
Administrative center, government services, cultural heritage, tourism.
Cotonou
Benin Littoral
Location
6.37, 2.35Economic capital of Benin, center of commerce and modern development.
Economic Role
Major port city, commercial center, financial hub, transportation hub.
Parakou
Benin Borgou
Location
9.34, 2.63Major city in northern Benin, center of Bariba culture and traditions.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, transportation hub, regional trade, livestock market.
Aplahoué
Benin Kouffo
Location
6.93, 1.68Small city in southwestern Benin, center of local community.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, local markets, regional commerce.
Banikoara
Benin Alibori
Location
11.30, 2.43Small city in northeastern Benin, center of local community and agriculture.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, cotton production, local markets, regional commerce.
Bembèrèkè
Benin Borgou
Location
10.22, 2.67Small city in northern Benin, center of local community and agriculture.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, local markets, regional commerce.
Bohicon
Benin Zou
Location
7.18, 2.07Major city in central Benin, center of Fon culture and traditions.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, regional trade, transportation hub, local commerce.
Comé
Benin Mono
Location
6.40, 1.88Small coastal city, center of fishing and local commerce.
Economic Role
Fishing industry, local markets, coastal commerce.
Cové
Benin Zou
Location
7.22, 2.33Small city in central Benin, center of local community and agriculture.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, local markets, regional commerce.
Dassa-Zoumé
Benin Collines
Location
7.75, 2.18Small city in central Benin, center of local community and agriculture.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, local markets, regional commerce.
Djougou
Benin Donga
Location
9.70, 1.67Major city in northwestern Benin, center of local culture and commerce.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, regional trade, transportation hub, local markets.
Glazoué
Benin Collines
Location
7.98, 2.22Small city in central Benin, center of local community and agriculture.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, local markets, regional commerce.
Ifangni
Benin Plateau
Location
6.67, 2.70Small city in southeastern Benin, center of local community.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, local markets, regional commerce.
Kandi
Benin Alibori
Location
11.13, 2.93Major city in northeastern Benin, center of local culture and agriculture.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, regional trade, livestock market, local commerce.
Kérou
Benin Atacora
Location
10.10, 1.20Small city in northwestern Benin, center of local community.
Economic Role
Agricultural center, local markets, regional commerce.
Lokossa
Benin Mono
Location
6.63, 1.72Provincial capital, center of local administration and agriculture.
Economic Role
Administrative center, agricultural processing, regional trade.