The Kingdom of Dahomey fielded up to 6,000 elite female warriors known as the Mino — the legendary Dahomey Amazons who inspired the 2022 film The Woman King. Today, Benin is a narrow West African nation of roughly 13 million people that stretches 700 km from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sahel, blending centuries of royal history with a living spiritual tradition as the birthplace of Vodun (voodoo).
Each round presents 10 randomized multiple-choice questions drawn from a pool of 50, so every playthrough is different. You get instant feedback with explanations after each answer, plus a shareable score at the end.
You'll explore the Kingdom of Dahomey and its fearsome female warriors, the origins of Vodun and its National Voodoo Day on January 10, the UNESCO-listed Royal Palaces of Abomey, the stilt village of Ganvie on Lake Nokoue, the slave trade history at Ouidah, Pendjari National Park's wildlife, the Python Temple, and Benin's journey from Marxist state to modern democracy.
Vodun (voodoo) originated in the coastal regions of West Africa, primarily in present-day Benin. It is a traditional religion involving the worship of spirits and ancestors, with elaborate rituals, dances, and ceremonies. About 17% of Benin's population still practices Vodun, and January 10 is celebrated as National Voodoo Day. The religion spread to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade, evolving into Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Voodoo.
The Dahomey Amazons, known as the Mino (meaning "our mothers"), were an all-female military regiment of the Kingdom of Dahomey from the 1600s through 1904. At their peak they numbered between 1,000 and 6,000 warriors and were renowned for their discipline, bravery, and ferocity in battle. They inspired the 2022 film The Woman King starring Viola Davis. European colonizers gave them the name "Amazons" after the warriors of Greek mythology.
Benin has a unique dual-capital arrangement. Porto-Novo is the official political capital and seat of the National Assembly, while Cotonou is the economic capital, seat of government, and the country's largest city with a population of roughly 800,000. Most government ministries, embassies, and businesses operate out of Cotonou, making it the de facto center of national life.
Last updated: April 2026