Avrankou
Commune and city in Ouémé Department, Benin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates: 6°33′N 2°40′E | |
| Country | |
| Department | Ouémé Department |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Gabriel Sèna Ganhoutodé |
| Area | |
• Total | 58 sq mi (150 km2) |
| Population (2013) | |
• Total | 128,050 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |

Avrankou is home to a constituent monarchy, currently led by Latchè Holou Guidimadégbé.[3][4]
Geography
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
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]