Aplahoué
Aplahoué | |
|---|---|
Aplahoué Location in Benin | |
| Coordinates: 6°56′N 1°41′E / 6.933°N 1.683°E | |
| Country | Benin |
| Department | Kouffo Department |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Maxime Allossogbé |
| Area | |
• Total | 572 km2 (221 sq mi) |
| Population (2013) | |
• Total | 170,069 |
| • Density | 297.323/km2 (770.06/sq mi) |
Aplahoué [ap.la.we] is a town and arrondissement in Benin, and is the capital of the Kouffo Department. The commune covers an area of 572 square kilometres and as of 2013 had a population of 170,069 people.[1][2]
Geography
Aplahoué is located in the western part of Kouffo Department, near the border with Togo. [3] It borders the communes of Dogbo-Tota (east), Klouékanmè (south), and is adjacent to the Republic of Togo on its western edge. [4] The terrain mainly comprises lowland savanna and agricultural plains, with altitudes around 120–150 m. [5]
History
The commune was designated as the seat of the Kouffo Department following the 22 June 2016 decision of the Council of Ministers. [6] Historically, Aplahoué has been a key commercial hub given its crossroads location near Togo and access to market networks such as the market of Azovè. [7]
Administration
Aplahoué is one of the communes of the Kouffo Department. [8] It is subdivided into seven arrondissements: Aplahoué, Atomè, Azovè, Dekpo, Godohou, Kissamey and Lonkly. [9]
Demographics
According to census data from 2002 and estimates in 2013, Aplahoué’s population has grown significantly. [10] Life-table and fertility data indicate that women in the commune had an average of approximately 5.7 children per woman in 2002. [11]
Economy
Agriculture dominates the economy of Aplahoué, with key crops including maize, cassava, yams and cotton. A 2002-2004 report found the commune accounted for over 60 % of the Kouffo Department’s cotton production, indicating its role as a “white gold” zone. [12] Major markets such as Azovè and cross-border trade with Togo further enhance its commercial role. [13]
Culture and heritage
The commune hosts royal and chieftaincy institutions typical of the southern Benin context. [14] Local festivals, palm-wine production and traditional crafts remain important cultural assets.
References
- ^ "National Institute of Statistics and Economic Analysis". Retrieved August 16, 2014.
- ^ "Communes of Benin". Statoids. Archived from the original on 2 January 2010. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
- ^ "Aplahoué – "au cœur du Couffo"". Visiter le Bénin. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ "APLAHOUÉ – Commune de Aplahoué". Ministère de la Décentralisation et de la Gouvernance Locale. Government of Benin. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ "Climat et géographie de Aplahoué". Planificateur voyage. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ ""Cité administrative d'Aplahoué : un joyau…"". Government of Benin. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ "APLAHOUÉ". Government of Benin. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ "Kouffo – Communes du département". Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ "Arrondissements de la commune d'Aplahoué". ToutBénin. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ "Plan de rédaction de la monographie… Commune d'Aplahoué" (PDF). IREDA/CEPED. 2009. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ "Monographie de la commune d'Aplahoué – 2002 données de structure de population" (PDF). IREDA/CEPED. 2009. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ "Monographie de la commune d'Aplahoué – production agricole 2002-2004" (PDF). IREDA/CEPED. 2009. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ ""Aplahoué au cœur du Couffo"". Visiter le Bénin. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ "APLAHOUÉ". Government of Benin. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
6°56′N 1°41′E / 6.933°N 1.683°E