, independent nation of W Africa, formerly called Dahomey. Once a French protectorate, it is a country of 40 ethnic tribal groups and a low-level economy. Located in the bulge on the S side of W Africa, is bordered by Nigeria, Toga, Berkina Faso, and Niger, with 75 mi (121km) on the Gulf of Guinea. The coast is hot and humid, and there are two rainy and two dry seasons; average annual rainfall is 32in (813mm). has three plateaus, one fertile, another of bare rocks, and a third with streams flowing to the Volta and Niger rivers and including ....