Topic summary
Porto-Novo
timezone. Replace with time_zone.image_caption. Replace with caption.mapsize. Replace with map_size.pushpin_mapsize. Replace with pushpin_map_size.settlement_type. Replace with type.image_skyline. Replace with image.Porto-Novo (Portuguese for 'New Port', pronounced; French:; Yoruba: Àjàṣẹ́; Fon: Xɔ̀gbónù; also known as Hogbonu and Ajashe) is the capital and second-largest city of Benin. The commune covers an area of 52 square kilometres (20 sq mi) and as of 2002 had a population of 223,552 people.
In 1863, following British bombardment, Porto-Novo accepted French protection, and by 1900, it became the capital of French Dahomey. After Benin's independence in 1960, Porto-Novo retained its status as the official capital, while Cotonou emerged as the economic and administrative hub.
Situated on an inlet of the Gulf of Guinea, in the southeastern portion of the country, the city was originally developed as a port for the transatlanticslave trade led by the Portuguese Empire. It is Benin's second-largest city, and although it is the official capital, where the national legislature sits, the larger city of Cotonou is the seat of government, where most of the government buildings are situated and government departments operate.