Benin on the Axis of the Law of the Primate City: The Case of Cotonou

Abstract

Jefferson's “law of the primate city” states that the principal city of a country always disproportionately and deliberately represents the national economic capacity and the sense of nation in the population. This study examines the extent to which Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, is fully in line with Jefferson's “law”. Some spatial and situational factors were highlighted to show how Cotonou has become the most populous city and dominant economic city in Benin. Considering that Cotonou is disproportionately large and has a significant share of the country's economic capacity, it is clear that today there is some uncertainty as to whether Cotonou is truly representative of national feeling. In order to clarify this issue, an explanation of the cultural landscape, a literature review and interviews with Beninese residents are conducted to assess the extent to which Cotonou represents national feeling. Furthermore, it is noted that as Benin modernizes, Cotonou will continue to attract more people from other parts of Benin and may therefore become more representative of the country's cultural identity.

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