Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, is a West African country bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Most people living in Benin reside on the southern coastline of the Bight of Benin near the Atlantic Ocean. Port-Novo is the capital of Benin; however, the largest city is Cotonou. Cotonou is where the seat of government is located and also serves as the economic capital. Benin spans 44,310 square miles and has a population of about 11.49 million people.  French is the official language of Benin, though several indigenous languages are still commonly spoken.