| Country | Benin |
|---|---|
| Department | Ouémé Department |
| Mayor | Gabriel Sèna Ganhoutodé |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total | 150 km² |
| Population as of | 2013 |
| Population total | 128,050 |
| Time zone | WAT (UTC+1) |
| Coordinates | 6°33′N 2°40′E |
Avrankou av.ʁɑ̃ŋ.ku is a town, arrondissement, and commune in the Ouémé Department of south-eastern Benin. The commune covers an area of 150 square kilometres and as of 2013 had a population of 128,050 people.[1][2]
Avrankou is home to a constituent monarchy, currently led by Latchè Holou Guidimadégbé.[3][4]
Geography
Avrankou is a commune and city in the Ouémé Department of southeastern Benin. It covers an area of about 150 km² and had a population of 128,050 in 2013.[5] The commune consists of seven arrondissements: Atchoukpa, Avrankou, Djomon, Gbozounmè, Kouti, Ouanho, and Sado.[6]
History
According to local tradition, Avrankou owes its name to the phrase “Avlan kou” in Yoruba, meaning “Avlan is dead,” after a man named Avlan was killed by Houénou, who later became local ruler. The name evolved into “Avrankou.”[5]
Governance
Avrankou has a constituent (traditional) monarchy led by **Latchè Holou Guidimadégbé**. The current mayor is **Gabriel Sèna Ganhoutodé**.[5]
Economy
The economy of Avrankou is largely agricultural, with many inhabitants engaged in farming. Palm oil is one of the major cash crops. The commune also benefits from its proximity to Nigeria and the capital Porto-Novo which enhances trade.[5]
Culture
Avrankou is home to multiple ethnic groups including Tori, Yoruba, Adja, Mina, and Toffin, with other groups such as Bariba, Dendi, Yom-Lokpa, Otamari, and Peulh also present.[5] Traditional religions are practiced alongside Christianity and Islam in the commune.[5]
References
- ^ "Avrankou". Atlas Monographique des Communes du Benin. Retrieved January 5, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ "Communes of Benin". Statoids. Archived 2 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
- ^ "Fermeture des frontières nigérianes:Le roi d’Avrankou dénonce un complot". acotonou.com. Archived 2022-07-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
- ^ "Les rois du Bénin interpellent des « mains invisibles derrière cette manœuvre »" (in fr-FR). Les 4 VERITES. 2019-09-18. Archived 2022-07-11 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
- ^ "Commune de Avrankou". Ministère de la Décentralisation et de la Gouvernance Locale. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ^ "Avrankou - Association Nationale des Communes du Bénin". ANCB. Retrieved 14 October 2025.