What is the current name of the country that was formerly known as Dahomey?

The country formerly known as Dahomey is now called Benin. Dahomey was the name of this West African kingdom that existed from the 17th century until the French colonial period. In 1975, the country officially changed its name to Benin, which is derived from the Bight of Benin, a body of water to the south of the country. This name change was part of a broader effort to eliminate colonial associations and promote national identity.

Benin is located between Nigeria to the east and Togo to the west, and its rich history includes its role in the Atlantic slave trade and as a center of voodoo culture. Understanding the historical context of Dahomey helps clarify the transition to its present name and significance in modern geopolitics.