---

Benin

---

Meridian Lodge Benin City Hotell|

SÔ-AVA, Benin, 13 September 2007 – World renowned singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo is in her home country of Benin this week to raise awareness about child rights.|

As the birthplace of voodoo, Benin oozes the exotic. With its glittering palaces, floating villages and python-filled temples, this is a country that has always moved to its own beat. From filling your belly with fried beans and yams, to paddling across a lagoon or following in the footsteps of slaves, Benin is filled with engaging, curious and amazing experiences.|

You can use your phone card to Benin to make calls with NobelApp via WiFi/3G & Access Numbers. NobelApp works on iOS and Android. Alternatively choose NobelApp Credit and take full control of your expenses with call history, recharge any cell phones worldwide and send international text messages at competitive rates. Check our .|

Although Benin has seen economic growth over the past few years, and has a high standing with the international community, it remains among the world's poorest countries. Within West Africa, Benin enjoys stable relations with , the main regional power. The only significant problem has been a long-running border dispute with Benin's northern neighbour, , over ownership of islands in the Niger River. This was finally resolved by the International Court of Justice in July 2005, which awarded 16 islands to Niger and nine to Benin. Both countries accepted the ruling.|

The ACHPR recommends to the Benin Government to take the following measures for the improvement of the human rights situation in the country:|

Benin money and banking information is as follows: - Benin's currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF) - The Euro is the easiest currency to covert in Benin - Credit and debit cards are accepted at very few places - Western Union branches can be found throughout the country - Banks are open Monday to Friday from 08h00 - 11h00 and 15h00 - 17h00|

We reward each and every one of our customers for their loyalty. That's why we're offering loads of Nobel Points for every recharge (or new purchase) and also for recommending our Benin phone cards to your friends.|

Benin cultures includes the following: - Music is a huge influence in Benin with singer Angelique Kidjo originating from the country - Literature is a strong culture, with mostly oral story traditions before French influence - Voodooism, while also a major religion, also has a strong influence on culture - Arts are also important, with iron, brass and cloth applique among art forms - Homosexuality is a crime in Benin, so exercise caution and respect if you are traveling with a same sex partner|

Check out the Benin travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.|

With environmental threats spanning from major deforestation to desertification, poaching, hunting and land abuse, Benin has one of the most fragile environments in West Africa. Benin conservation efforts are slowly being initiated to address the balance; however large portions of land are being affected.|

There is no formal British diplomatic representation in Benin. If you need consular assistance you should contact the British High Commission in Accra. There is a Community Liaison Officer in Benin who may be able to help in an emergency.|

As a result of the abrupt and violent manner in which most royal art forms of the kingdom of Benin were removed from their original context by the British in 1897, there is a dearth of documentation to situate individual works historically. This has led art historians to propose stylistic theories concerning their chronological execution.|

The most pleasant months to visit Benin are between November and February when temperatures drop along with the humidity. From April to July and September to October expect heavy rains. The dry and dusty harmattan winds from the Sahara blow between December and March, and this period (particularly February to April) can be uncomfortably hot, with temperatures in the mid-40s (Celsius).|

---