Beninese Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Benin lies in West Africa, between Togo and Nigeria, on the Gulf of Guinea. It was home to the Kingdom of Dahomey, famous for its royal palaces at Abomey, now recognised by UNESCO. French is the official language. Beninese people in Britain include students, professionals and families.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 6,034 people living in the city had been born in Central and Western African countries other than Ghana and Nigeria, a group that includes Benin.

Working for Birmingham

Beninese residents study and work in fields such as business, education, healthcare and engineering, and many are multilingual, speaking French, English and languages such as Fon and Yoruba. Their skills are valued in international business and education.

Birmingham is one of the youngest and most diverse cities in Europe, and its progress has always depended on people who chose to make it home. Its hospitals, schools and universities, its building sites, workshops, warehouses and kitchens all rely on skills brought from around the world. The Beninese community adds its own share to that effort, and takes pride in giving back to the city that welcomed it.

Culture and community life

Benin's national Vodun festival in January celebrates traditional faith with music and dance, and the country's craftspeople are famous for their appliqued cloths and bronze work. Dishes made with maize, yam and palm oil are family favourites, and Independence Day falls on 1 August.

For anyone who wants to learn more, the best introduction is the simplest one: say hello. Birmingham's communities are at their best when they meet, share food and learn from one another, and the Beninese community is a warm part of that everyday exchange.