Benin, Nigeria

Capital City

With a population of 1,780,000, Benin City is Nigeria's fourth-largest urban center, but its reality is far from the splendor of its storied past. The former capital of the powerful Edo Kingdom has seen its once-impressive architecture crumble, while its people struggle with persistent flooding and inadequate waste management. The tropical climate is consistently hot and humid, providing little relief from the bureaucratic headaches that plague daily life. Ultimately, Benin City's rich cultural heritage belies the challenges facing those who choose to call it home.