Porto-Novo, from the Portuguese for "New Port" who built a trading post there in the 17th century as part of the slave trade, is located on the Porto-Novo lagoon in the Gulf of Guinea. The small kingdom of Porto-Novo, one of many such kingdoms in present day Benin, sought French protection in 1863 from the British who were operating out of South Nigeria. However, shortly afterwards, the French were distracted by the Franco Prussian War of 1871 which forced them to largely abandon its interests in the area as its military headed back to France.
In 1883 the French navy again landed at Porto-Novo to re-establish its hegemony in the region despite ongoing warfare with kingdoms who refused to be subjugated to colonial rule.
The Kingdom of Porto-Novo was incorporated into the newly formed French Dahomey and in 1900 became the colony's official capital with its former royal Agasuvi dynasty allowed to retain the title of "Chef Superieur" until the royal line ended in 1976 with the death of its last king (Ahosu) Alohinto Gbeffa Tofa VI. Whilst he had a surviving son, nominally Felix Araba Tofa VII, the position had by then lapsed as Benin became a republic in 1960.
Although Porto-Novo remained as capital after independence as administrative centre of the country, the president, judiciary and most government ministers reside in the de facto capital of Cotonou, Benin's economic centre, site of the nation's national university and largest city.
Porto Novo hosts a young and multiethnic population, offering a dynamic and appealing environment, and is home to important museums such as the Ethnographic Museum, which explores Porto-Novo's royal family, and the Da Silva Museum, which highlights the cultural history of Benin and the Brazilian influence from returned slaves. Despite its historical significance and cultural richness, Porto Novo maintains a relaxed atmosphere and a cost of living that is among the least expensive in the world.
In 1883 the French navy again landed at Porto-Novo to re-establish its hegemony in the region despite ongoing warfare with kingdoms who refused to be subjugated to colonial rule. 
