Kouandé
Kouandé | |
|---|---|
  Kouandé Location in Benin | |
| Coordinates: 10°19′54″N 1°41′29″E / 10.33167°N 1.69139°E | |
| Country |  Benin |
| Department | Atakora Department |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Sanni Didier Kouandé-Sounon |
| Area | |
• Total | 4,500 km2 (1,700 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 436 m (1,430 ft) |
| Population (2013 census) | |
• Total | 112,014 |
| • Density | 25/km2 (64/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
Kouandé [kwɑ̃.de] is a town, arrondissement and commune, located in the Atakora Department of Benin.The commune covers an area of 4500 square kilometres and as of 2013 had a population of 112,014 people.[1][2] The main town had an estimated 7,127 people in 2008.
Kouandé, like many areas of Benin, is home to a constituent monarchy. The monarchy, once part of the Borgu federation, has existed since at least the 18th century. The town is also populated by the Bariba people.[3]
Geography
[edit]Kouandé lies at the foot of the Atacora Mountains in north-western Benin. It is bounded to the north by the commune of Kérou, to the west by Toucountouna, to the south-west by Natitingou, and to the east by Péhunco. [4]
History
[edit]The area that is now Kouandé has been home to a traditional Bariba monarchy since at least the 18th century. The Kingdom of Kouandé was founded by Worou Wari, the son of a Bariba prince forced out of Nikki. [5]
Administration
[edit]The commune is divided into six arrondissements: Birni, Chabi-Couma, Fô-Tancé, Guilmaro, Kouandé and Oroukayo, comprising numerous villages and quarters. [6] The current mayor is listed as Sanni Didier Kouandé-Sounon. [7]
Demographics
[edit]According to the 2013 census, the commune had 111 540 inhabitants (55 558 men; 55 982 women). [8] The ethnic composition includes the Bariba (approx. 43.6 %), Betamaribè (24 %), Peulh (17.9 %), Yom and Lokpa (7.2 %), others (7.7 %). [9]
Economy
[edit]Agriculture is the main economic activity: major crops include maize, cassava, yam, cotton, sorghum, peanut and shea. The commune also engages in livestock rearing and forestry activities. [10]
Culture and heritage
[edit]The commune is notable for its traditional Bariba culture, including colourful horse parades during identity-festivals (“Gaani”), associated with the historical monarchy. [11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Kouande". Atlas Monographique des Communes du Benin. Archived from the original on February 27, 2009. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
- ^ "Communes of Benin". Statoids. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
- ^ Butler, Simon (2019). Benin. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 165. ISBN 9781784770600.
- ^ "COMMUNE DE KOUANDÉ". Ministère de la Décentralisation et de la Gouvernance Locale. Gouvernement du Bénin. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Friends of Kouandé – Royaume de Kouandé". Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Commune Kouandé – Monographie". ACAD-Bénin. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "COMMUNE DE KOUANDÉ". Gouvernement du Bénin. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Population de Kouandé 2013". Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "COMMUNE DE KOUANDÉ". Gouvernement du Bénin. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "À propos de Kouandé". ACAD-Bénin. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Kouandé, le trésor caché des Bagana aux pieds de l'Atacora". Retrieved 10 November 2025.
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