Glazoué


Glazoué is a town, arrondissement, and commune in the Collines Department of central Benin. It is located on the railway line from Cotonou to Parakou. The commune covers an area of 1350 square kilometres and as of 2013 had a population of 124,431 people.

Geography

Glazoué lies approximately 234 km north of Cotonou, within the Collines department. It is bordered to the north by the communes of Ouèssè and Bassila, to the south by Dassa-Zoumè, to the east by Savè, and to the west by Bantè and Savalou.
The terrain features a mix of low plateaux and hills, with rivers and small bas-fonds that support agriculture and rice cultivation.

History

Glazoué historically benefited from the railway line linking Cotonou to Parakou, which enhanced its role in trade and market transport. Traditional ethnolinguistic groups including the Idaasha and Mahi have long been established in the area, contributing to its cultural heritage.

Administration

The commune of Glazoué comprises ten arrondissements: Assanté, Aklampa, Glazoué, Gomé, Kpakpaza, Magoumi, Ouèdèmè, Sokponta, Thio and Zaffé. Administrative documents list 48 villages and local districts for the sector.

Demographics

According to the 2013 census, the population was 124,431 in the commune.

Economy

Agriculture dominates the economy of Glazoué. The commune is well known as one of the major **yam** production centres in Benin, and its weekly market is reported as the third-largest in the country. Rice cultivation in lowlands and bas-fonds has also been prominent: a study indicated that Glazoué produced up to 85 % of the rice of the Collines department in early-2000s. Local commercial transport is facilitated by the railway corridor and regional roads.

Culture and heritage

The population of Glazoué includes significant populations of the Idaasha and Mahi ethnic groups, and traditional festivals, dance, music and crafts related to these groups are active.
The commune’s market and trade links have contributed to a cross-regional cultural dynamism, with traders coming from neighbouring countries.