Dahomey formally gained independence from France in 1960, and is currently regarded as the cradle of the Vodun (Voodoo or Vodoun) religion adhered to by people of African descent in the Diaspora, especially in certain countries in the Caribbean, West Indies, and Latin America.

The city of Allada, also called the "Cradle of Voodoos" is home to this animist religion which is very central to the spirituality of the people of Benin. The Vodoun or Vodun Priesthood constitutes a real and very well structured clergy. They along with the "Bokonons" or soothsayers provide 70% of the people who subscribe to indigenous religions with the healing powers derived from the Oracle "Fa," and their spiritual sustenance. The King of Allada, King Kpodegbe is a direct descendant of Toussaint Louverture, the founding hero of the nation of Haiti.Ouidah, also called the Museum City, is the center of the Slave Trade in Benin and is characterized by the European influences visible through the architecture Portuguese, French, Danish and English trading posts or strong holds. Remains of the ancient port from which slaves were shipped to what is now the United States of America, Brazil and Haiti. The "Road of Slaves" leads to the Majestic Memorial of Slavery at the village of Zounbabodji. Ouidah also offers diverse tourist attractions such as the Portuguese Museum, the Temple of Pythons which houses the Sacred Pythons, the Christian Cathedral Notre Dame, the House of Brazil and the old districts of the city with their baroque facades.

As with many of the regions in Africa, the songs and dances of the people of Benin vary with the tribe they originates from and their geographic location within the country. Despite these variances, the unifying theme is the simultaneous use of dance and music to commemorate joyous occasions such as festivals, childbirth, rites of passage, dance exhibitions and leisurely activity, or sorrowful occasions such as the mourning of the dead.

During the erstwhile Dahomey and Bariba Kingdoms the imperial focus on art, especially in Abomey, "The Royal City" and capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey, has led to Benin's international recognition as a haven for artists and craftsmen. These include weavers, jewelers, woodcarvers and iron and brass workers. The arts and crafts of this region are influenced by the nomadic peoples of the Bariba who originated from the region that is currently known as the Sudan, and by Fulani and Hausa herdsmen. The region of Baname is known for woodcarving, Ketou, in Porto-Novo is home to the Yoruba arts and unique pottery can be purchased in Tourou in the north.

Porto-Novo, "The City with three Names", the other two being Hogbounou in the Goun language, and Adjatche in Yoruba language is situated right in the middle of Yoruba land. The city is home to a wide selection of Museums namely the Honme Museum, the Alexandre Senou Adande Ethnographic Museum and the Urbain Karim da Silva Museum. Also within the Oueme Region is Ketou, the capital of the Kingdom of Ketou, has the architectural treasures of the Royal Palace and the Magical Door. The Adjegounle Market, famous for its local arts and crafts, is located in the suburbs of Port-Novo.