Bonou

The commune is predominantly inhabited by the Wémènou people, part of the Wémègbe-speaking cultural area of southern Benin.^[3] Historically, the territory was influenced by interactions between the former kingdoms of Allada, Danxomè, and the Oyo Empire.^[3]

Bonou is located in the Ouémé Department of southeastern Benin. The commune covers an area of about 250 square kilometres and is bordered to the east by the commune of Adjohoun, to the north by Ouinhi, to the west by Zangnanado, and to the south by Dangbo.^[3] The Ouémé River crosses the commune from north to south over a distance of approximately 40 kilometres, forming extensive floodplains that play an important role in agriculture and fishing.^[4]

The climate is subequatorial, characterized by two rainy seasons (April–July and September–October) and two dry seasons. Vegetation is mainly composed of grassy and shrubby savannas, with pockets of sacred forests and classified forest areas such as the Gnanhouizounmè Forest Reserve.^[4]

According to the 2013 national census, Bonou had a population of 44,349 inhabitants distributed across about 7,700 households.^[3] The commune has an estimated annual growth rate of about 3.6 percent, with most of the population living in rural areas.^[5]