Cotonou is Benin's governmental center.
Benin . From the 17th to the 19th century , the main political entities in the area were the Kingdom of Dahomey along with the city-state of Porto-Novo and a large area with many different tribes to the north . Cotonou . In addition to being Benin 's largest city , it is the seat of government , although Porto-Novo is the official capital . Porto-Novo . It is Benin 's second-largest city , and although Porto-Novo is the official capital , where the national legislature sits , the larger city of Cotonou is the seat of government , where most of the government buildings are situated and government departments operate .