Geography Olympiad Level 1 Practice Test

Dahomey changed its name to Benin in 1975. This change was part of a broader movement in former colonies to adopt names that reflect their pre-colonial heritage. The name "Benin" refers to the historic Benin Empire, which was known for its rich culture and significant trade routes. The renaming aimed to restore national identity after years of colonial rule and to reinforce a sense of unity among the diverse ethnic groups within the territory.

In contrast, the other countries listed—Togo, Ghana, and Niger—have distinct histories and identities that are separate from Dahomey. Togo was a German colony before becoming a French mandate and later an independent nation. Ghana was the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957 and was known as the Gold Coast prior to that. Niger was also a former French colony, different in both geography and cultural heritage from Benin. Each of these countries has its own unique history that does not involve the name change from Dahomey to Benin.