République du Dahomey Republic of Dahomey ← 1958 – 1975 → Flag Coat of arms Anthem L'Aube Nouvelle  (French) The Dawn of a New Day Capital Porto-Novo Language(s) French Government Republic Historical era Cold War  - Self-governing colony December 11, 1958  - Independence August 5, 1960  - Renamed November 30, 1975 Currency CFA franc

The Republic of Dahomey (French: République du Dahomey) was established on December 11, 1958, as a self-governing colony within the French Community. Prior to attaining autonomy it had been French Dahomey, part of the French Union. On August 1, 1960 it attained full independence from France.

In 1975, the country was re-named Benin after the Bight of Benin (not the unrelated historical Kingdom of Benin) since "Benin", unlike "Dahomey", was deemed politically neutral for all ethnic groups in the state.

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