benin

area
population
capital
head of state
official language
currency
exchange rate

(source: lonely planet)

112,620 sq km
6.1 million
porto novo
mathieu kerekou
french
west african cfa
check out oanda.com
for current exchange rates

this information comes from a visit to the country in april 2002. things might have changed since then. these are my personal impressions and it's well possible that other travellers will not share my views.

accra, ghana: the visa was issued in 24 hours for CFA 15:000 for a 30 day tourist visa.

getting in and out

from togo main coastal road: quick, no hassles, no carnet de passage needed, laissez passer CFA 5790.

to burkina faso natitingou - tidangou: officials no problem at all. good piste from natitingou

places to stay

natitingou: hotel bellevue. bungalow CFA 5000, food not cheap, but superb!

other

the north, towards burkina is stunningly beautiful!

There is no road toll for motorbikes, you can pass the toll house on the "two wheel lane"