To avoid the life of slavery, a unique village was established in Benin, West Africa. The name of this village is Ganvie and it lies in Lake Nokoué with a total population of 20,000.
Most people’s homes are in the middle of the lake. It is also considered to be Africa’s largest village on the lake. Tourists reach from far away to see this very unique settlement.
So let us know some interesting facts about this village.
According to reports, this village was created in the sixteenth or seventeenth century by the Tofinu people who took to the lake to avoid Fon warriors capturing slaves for sale to European traders. They did not enter the water due to their religious beliefs. After living in the lake for many years, the village of Ganvie has developed its own culture over water and wants to stay here.
Houses, shops and restaurants are constructed with wood standing several feet above water and there is also a floating market over the lake. The villagers have a piece of land where a school has been built. However, this land was also prepared by the people themselves. It is also called the Venice of Africa.
Ganvie was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1996. Due to its unique culture, this village became quite famous and became known as a popular tourist place.
Out of 3000 buildings built on the lake, the school here is the only place which is built on land. Here post offices, banks, hospitals, churches and mosques will also be found floating on the water. However, the residents here gradually bring soil from the surrounding areas to the lake so that it can be developed as an island.
PNN/Agencies