Parakou

Parakou is the largest city in northern Benin, and the third-largest city in the country, with an estimated population of 206,667 people, and capital of the Borgou Department. Administratively, the commune of Parakou makes one of Benin's 77 communes.

History

The city was founded in the 16th century by traders. In the 18th century Parakou, like much of the surrounding region, came under the rule of princes from Nikki. The defeat of the Nikki-led invasion of Ilorin in 1837 and death of its king gave Parakou and the other vassals an opportunity to seize more control over trade and increase their political independence. The Anglo-French Convention of 1898 divided the Borgu federation in two. Parakou became the main administrative center of the half that was joined to French Dahomey.

Economy

Parakou lies on the main north-south highway RNIE 2 and at the end of a railway to Cotonou.

Markets

This has made it an important market town, with major industries including cotton and textiles, peanut oil manufacture and brewing. The town grew initially from revenue generated from passing merchants that took goods from the region across the Sahara and the Mediterranean to Europe. Parakou later became well known in the slave trade. This market has a large covered hall overlapping onto the streets with stalls, with between 500 and 1000 vendors. The market sells an enormous range of goods from items of pottery including vases and bowls, to cotton textiles, cassettes and CD's of local and international artists, local spices, fruits, gasaru/wagasi (cow's milk cheese) and kitchen utensils. Another market, located several blocks north, is called the "Marché Kobo Kobo", which lies across the street from the French Cultural Centre.

The dry port is a multi-modal platform located 3 km from the centre of Parakou, close to the railway. It gives the Backbone Project a strategic position for imports and exports to neighbouring countries, notably Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Togo.

Demographics

thumb|left|A roundabout in Parakou|313x313px

The name, Parakou, is derived from a Dendi word meaning "the city of everyone", named for the city's diversity of ethnicities. and Tuareg.

Climate

Parakou has a tropical savanna climate (Aw) according to the Köppen climate classification.

Culture

thumb|right|The Musée en Plein Air de Parakou

The city has a museum, the Musée en Plein Air de Parakou.

Amawihon, Bakaga, Bakounkparou, Bakounourou, Baperou, Bereyadou, Borarou, Darou Kourarou, Debregourou, Dokparou, Douerou, Forane Kparou, Gagbebou, Ganou, Ga Yakabou, Gommboko, Gorobani, Gouforou, Goutere, Guema, Guererou, Guinrerou, Kaborokpo, Kabro, Karobouarou, Kipare, Konkoma, Koumerou, Kperou Guera, Moundouro, Nekinparo, Nikikperou, Ouroungourou, Pepekino, Pepepeterou, Sanro, Senouorou, Sokoumeno, Sokouno, Sonoumo, Sourou, Suinrou, Tabayorourou, Tankaro, Tankaro Ga, Teougourou Gando, Tian, Tinekonparou, Tora, Tourou, Wansirou, Weria, Wore, Worora, Yakassirou

Education

Parakou is home to one university, the University of Parakou, founded in 2001.

Places of worship

thumb|right|Parakou Mosque

Among the places of worship, most predominant are Muslim mosques. There are also several Christian denominations represented: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Parakou (Catholic Church), Protestant Methodist Church in Benin (World Methodist Council), Union of Baptist Churches of Benin (Baptist World Alliance), Living Faith Church Worldwide, Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Assemblies of God.

Transport

thumb|right|The [[RNIE 6 road leading out of Parakou]]

Parakou Railway Station is the last railway station on the Parakou-Cotonou railway, however at present it is not open to passenger transportation.

Sport

The main football clubs are Dynamo Unacob FC de Parakou and Buffles du Borgou FC which play in the Benin Premier League, the highest division of Beninese football.

Notable people

Hubert Maga, first President of Benin (1916–2000)
Chabi Mama, politician (1921–1996)
Marc Aillet, French bishop
Chérif Dine Akakpo, Beninese professional footballer (born 1997)
Mohamed Chikoto, footballer
Nouhoum Kobéna, former footballer
Arouna Mama, politician (1925–1974)
Steve Mounié, footballer
Achille Rouga, former footballer
Abdel Fadel Suanon, footballer