Kalalé

Kalalé [ka.la.lɛ] is a town, arrondissement, and commune in the Borgou Department of eastern Benin. The commune covers an area of 3,586 square kilometres (1,385 sq mi) and as of 2013^[update] had a population of 168,882 people.^[1][2]

Kalalé
Commune and city
Kalalé Location in Benin
Coordinates: 10°17′43″N 3°22′54″E
Country	Benin
Department	Borgou Department
Government
• Mayor	Tidjani Bani Chabi
Area
• Total	1,385 sq mi (3,586 km2)
Population  (2013)
• Total	168,882
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT)

Geography

Kalalé is located in the Borgou Department in eastern Benin, near the border with Nigeria. The area is characterised by wooded savanna and agro-pastoral landscapes, suitable for cotton and cereal cultivation.^[3]

Administrative divisions

The commune is subdivided into several arrondissements (for example: Kalalé centre, Basso, Bouka, Dérassi, Dunkassa, Péonga) and multiple villages and quarters; official listings are available in ANCB and INSAE documentation.^[4][5]

Population

Population figures appear in national statistics publications (INSAE RGPH-4, 2013). For precise village-by-village totals consult the INSAE tables; some government and monographic pages report the commune population around 168,882 for 2013.^[6]

History

Local and departmental monographs document Kalalé’s settlement history, its role in regional agriculture and trade, and its administrative evolution since decentralisation reforms.^[7]

Economy

Kalalé is an agricultural and cotton-producing commune; main activities include cotton, cereals, market gardening and livestock. Regional development reports highlight cotton production as a significant local sector.^[8]

Infrastructure and services

Transport

Road access connects Kalalé to Parakou, Nikki and border crossings; road quality varies and seasonal rains may limit accessibility.^[9]

Water and energy

Water supply relies on boreholes and wells; electrification is present in the urban centre with ongoing rural electrification efforts.^[10]

Education and health

Kalalé hosts primary and secondary schools and health centres; departmental plans address improvements in service coverage.^[11]

Governance

The commune is administered by an elected municipal council and a mayor. Local press and government pages report election results and mayoral appointments; The current mayor name is Tidjani Bani Chabi.^[12][13]

Culture and heritage

Departmental monographs list local cultural sites, festivals and traditions that contribute to Kalalé’s heritage.^[14]