Benin – Benin's capital is Porto Novo

(Pronounced ben-een and pawr-toh noh-voh)

To remember the capital of Benin, use the following mnemonic:

Bending (Benin) over was the only way the porter could carry all the novels (Porto Novo).

Interesting facts about Porto Novo:

- Portuguese Roots: The official capital of Benin received its name from Portuguese traders and explorers in the 18th century, with Porto-Novo translating directly to New Port.

- Unique Architecture: The city features a striking Grand Mosque designed to closely resemble a Brazilian baroque church, built by descendants of formerly enslaved people who returned from Brazil to West Africa.

- The Guardians of the Night: Porto-Novo is a prominent cultural center for traditional Vodun beliefs, famously home to the Zangbeto—traditional masked figures known as the spiritual guardians of the local neighborhoods.