Claim: Benin's seat of government is in Cotonou, in the country's south.

Cotonou -LRB- -LSB- kɔtɔˈnu -RSB- -RRB- , is the largest city and economic centre of Benin .   Its official population count was 761,137 inhabitants in 2006 ; however , some estimates indicate its population to be as high as 1.2 million . The population in 1960 was only 70,000 . The urban area continues to expand , notably toward the west . The city lies in the southeast of the country , between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Nokoué .   In addition to being Benin 's largest city , it is the seat of government , although Porto-Novo is the official capital . It is home to most of the country 's government buildings and diplomatic services . The city is a major port and home to an airport and a railway that links to Parakou . Other features include Cotonou Friendship Stadium , Cotonou Cathedral , Cotonou Central Mosque , the Ancien Pont Bridge and the 20-hectare Dantokpa Market , which has a commercial turnover of over one billion CFA Francs a day . Another familiar feature is the motorcycle-taxis known as Zémidjans .