Simplify the following text for a Grade 9 native English-speaking person.
Original: In addition to being Benin 's largest city , it houses many of its government and diplomatic services ; thus , it is Benin 's de facto capital , even though the official capital is Porto-Novo .
Simplified: Many of the government and diplomatic services of Benin are located in Cotonou . Because of this , the city is Benin 's de facto capital , even though the official capital is Porto-Novo .