BENIN Benin is bordered to the northwest by Burkina Faso, to the east by Nigeria, and to the west by Togo. The official capital is Porto-Novo, but Cotonou is Benin’s largest city, its chief port, and its de facto administrative capital.  Benin is the country where Voodoo was born. This off-the-beaten-path travel destination which has a fascinating culture and rich history and on top of that, it’s home to lush nature and beautiful beaches.