Benin is a West African country bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with a southern coastline on the Gulf of Guinea. Its official capital is Porto-Novo, though its economic and de facto administrative center is Cotonou. The nation, formerly known as Dahomey, gained independence from France in 1960 and has an economy heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly the export of palm products and cotton. Benin's culture is rich with traditions, including the origins of Vodun (voodoo) and a strong emphasis on hospitality and politeness.