Benin City serves as the capital and largest metropolitan centre of Edo State, situated in southern Nigeria.

[3] Notably, it ranks as the fourth-most populous city in Nigeria, according to the 2006 national census, preceded only by Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan.

[4] The city's municipal boundaries converge with those of several prominent neighbouring towns in southern Nigeria, notably Agbor, Oghara, and Ekpoma.

[citation needed] Benin City boasts an exceptionally fertile agricultural landscape and serves as the epicentre of Nigeria's thriving rubber industry.

[5] Additionally, the production of palm oil constitutes a substantial sector, further underscoring the city's prominence in Nigeria's agricultural economy.

During its final centuries, the kingdom maintained significant trade relations with Portugal, prior to being captured, sacked, and razed in 1897 by a British punitive expedition.

Subsequent to their punitive victory, the British gradually colonized the area, eventually incorporating the region into Colonial Nigeria.

The city's populace boasts one of the richest dress cultures on the African continent, renowned for their elaborate adornments, including beads symbolizing royalty, body marks, bangles, anklets, and intricate raffia work.

Additionally, the people of Benin City engage in subsistence farming, primarily cultivating yams, plantains, and cassava.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Benin flourished economically due to its strategic position in the transatlantic trade network, exchanging goods such as pepper and ivory with European nations.

[23][24] Alan Boisragon, one of the survivors of the Benin Massacre, included references to the practice of human sacrifice in the city in a firsthand account written in 1898 (one year after the Punitive Expedition).

[25] Historian James D. Graham notes that although "there is little doubt that human sacrifices were an integral part of the Benin state religion from very early days," first-hand accounts regarding such acts often varied significantly, with some reporting them and others making no mention of them.

[26] The expedition resulted in the looting of the Benin Bronzes, a collection of intricate brass plaques and sculptures that adorned the palace walls.

The most iconic of these artifacts is the Queen Idia mask, which was used as a mascot during the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC '77) held in Nigeria in 1977.

Although the British permitted the restoration of the Benin monarchy in 1914, true political power remained with the colonial administration of Nigeria.

[54] At the time, residents and the city blamed poor storm drains and a failure to continue flood adaptation programs.

[citation needed] Attractions in the city includes the National Museum, the Oba Palace, Igun Street (Famous for bronze casting and other metal works).

Other attractions include various festivals and the Benin Moats (measuring about 20 to 40 ft), the King's Square (known as Ring Road)[56] and the city's traditional markets.

It also promote content of emerging national and international filmmakers, showcasing their works in an environment where they have access to experienced industry professionals.