Cotonou
Cotonou
Kútɔ̀nú (Fon) | |
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Cotonou in 2019 Central Mosque of Cotonou Monument de Bio Guéra Presidency of the Republic of Benin Beach of Cotonou Autonomous Port of Cotonou | |
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Flag Coat of arms | |
Interactive map of Cotonou | |
Cotonou Location within Benin | |
| Coordinates: 6°22′N 2°26′E / 6.367°N 2.433°E | |
| Country | Benin |
| Department | Littoral Department |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Luc Atrokpo |
| Area | |
• Total | 79 km2 (31 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 51 m (167 ft) |
| Population (2013 census) | |
• Total | 679,012 |
| • Density | 8,600/km2 (22,000/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (WAT) |
Cotonou (French pronunciation: [kɔtɔnu]; Fon: Kútɔ̀nú) is the largest city and seat of government of Benin. Its official population count was 679,012 in 2012; however, over two million people live in the larger urban area. The urban area continues to expand, notably toward the west. The city lies in the southeast of the country, between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Nokoué.
Cotonou is the seat of government of the Republic of Benin, where most of the government buildings are situated, government departments operate and foreign embassies are located, but the official capital, where the national legislature sits, is the smaller city of Porto-Novo.