LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Benin: North
built 612 days ago
The people who live in Benin are descendants of the Tofinu tribe who moved in from the north in the 18th century to escape domination by the Fon's expanding Dahomey kingdom. Living in huts built on stilts several kilometres away from the shore of the shallow lake made them safe from Fon warriors whose taboos prevented them from venturing on water.
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Benin's climate is hot and generally humid. It ranges from equatorial in the south to an increasingly arid tropical wet-and-dry climate in the north. The south receives about 1,300 mm (about 51 in) of rainfall a year, mostly from March to July and in October and November. The average monthly temperature in southern Benin ranges from 20° to 34°C (68° to 93°F). During much of the year, sea breezes temper the climate. In the north temperature variations become more marked, and humidity decreases.
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The climate of Benin ranges from equatorial type in the south to arid tropical wet-and-dry climate in the north. The south receives about 1,300 mm of rainfall a year, mainly from March to July and October to November. The average monthly temperature ranges from 20° to 34°C. The north experiences high temperatures and receives an annual rainfall of about 890 mm from May to September.
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Several religions are practiced in Benin. Animism is widespread (50%), and its practices vary from one ethnic group to the other. Arab merchants introduced Islam in the north and among the Yoruba. European missionaries brought Christianity to the south and central areas of Benin. Moslems account for 20% of the population and Christians for 30%. Many nominal Moslems and Christians continue to practice animistic traditions.
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It is believed that Vodun (or "Voodoo", as it is commonly known) originated in Benin and was introduced to Brazil, the Caribbean Islands, and parts of North America by slaves taken from this particular area of the Slave Coast. The indigenous religion of Benin is practiced by about 60% of the population. Since 1992 Vodun has been recognized as one of Benin's official religions, and a National Vodun Holiday is celebrated on January 10.
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