Benin ESS400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Snakes are honored in Benin, unlike many other countries around the world. The Royal python is of particular interest. It is honored in temples, and people will even welcome the wild snakes into their home🐍 #ess400 @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 https://t.co/BlvutpT5im

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

W National Park is a protected area spanning 3 countries, including Benin. Mostly savanna and riparian ecosystems, the park has many plant species. ~200,000 people live within the park, causing a dynamic relationship between people and the land #ess400 @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Did you know Benin is only of the only countries in the whole world which recognises voodoo as a state religion! @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 #ess400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

After The Republic of Benin’s presidential election, it is official that President Talon is reconfirming another presidential term. Winning with an 86% of total votes it is clear he is respected by the country. @BEss400 @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

The major natural resources in Benin include small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, and timber. 40% of the land is forest cover and 31.3% is agricultural land. There are also about 26,390,000,000 m³ of renewable water resources.@sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 #ess400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

In 2013, Benin formed a new government without a prime minister. President Boni fired his cabinet and replaced every member except the prime minister. By 2015, a new prime minister, Lionel Zinsou, was hired. @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 #ess400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Voodoo in Benin doesn’t resemble our visions of black magic and witchcraft. It’s about the five divine elements ruling the earth. As an official religion, people who believe in voodoo coexist peacefully with believers of Christianity and Islam. @Gwsn2012 @sarahwhipple15 #ess400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

All in all, Benin is roughly the same size as US State Pennsylvania and has the national sport of futbol, or known in America as Soccer. #ess400 @Gwsn2012 @sarahwhipple15

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

US Army Corps of Engineers has built 2 new hospitals in rural Benin. Local villagers no longer need to cross the border into other countries to seek medical attention. This also will allow births to be better tracked. @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 #ess400 https://t.co/r8mvVHl1M1

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Soccer is the most popular sport in Benin. The National team, called Les Ecureuils (the Squirrels), has never been to the World Cup. However, they play against Nigeria today to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations! @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 #ess400 https://t.co/A6oQ5S9mah

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

The nation of Benin has a presidential election coming up soon on April 11th. The three running candidates are their current president Patrice Talon, previous minister Alassane Soumano, and Corentin Kohoue. #ess400 @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Music is very important in Benin. The rhythmic sounds of drumming can be heard at festivals and religious events. Music in Benin provides a way to express religious fervor. The country is also home to well known artists including Angelique Kidjo @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 #ess400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Hubert Maga was the first president of Benin who was born into poverty before serving Benin in the following capacities: Deputy to the French National Assembly, Premier of Dahomey, President, and finally the Chairman of the Presidential Council. @Gwsn2012 @sarahwhipple15 #ess400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Most of Benin’s rapidly growing population lives in rural areas, where agriculture supports about 70 percent of population’s livelihoods, and provides about 80 percent of export income to the economy. @Gwsn2012 @sarahwhipple15 #ess400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Benin won their independence from France on August 1st 1960. Because of the past colonial ties, French is the official language of the country, and for currency they use the West African CFA franc. @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 #ess400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Fulani herdsmen are nomadic people in parts of Benin and West Africa. They engage in both random and transhumance migrations. Due to droughts and other environmental conditions, a conflict is starting to arise with other nomadic groups. @Gwsn2012 @sarahwhipple15 #ess400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

The Paris Agreement discusses human rights in the preamble. While Benin’s NDCs never explicitly discuss human rights, their interest in supporting local farmers from the threats of climate change, as well as educating women, directly relate @Sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 #ESS400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Half of Benin’s population lives in the city of Cotonou, which is along the Gulf of Guinea. This area is facing the threat of sea level rise, and will likely see problems arise in the second half of this century @Sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 #ESS400 https://t.co/BfE3n6L6bs

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Benin became the name of the country in 1975 and was previously known as Dahomey. While the capitol of the country is Porto Novo (historically a slave port), the most populated city is Cotonou which hosts the country’s only international airport. @Gwsn2012 @sarahwhipple15 #ess400

[Benin ESS400 @BEss400]

Benin contributes 0.03% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is ranked 149/188 in terms of emissions. Learn more: https://t.co/HeVDs7ImcE @sarahwhipple15 @Gwsn2012 #ess400