The Kingdom of Dahomey was an African country, situated in the Horn of Africa, that existed from 1600 until 1904 (located in the area today known as Benin) when it became a French Colony, called French Dahomey. Its capital was Abomey. In 1958, the country became a Republic and gained full independence in 1960. In 1975 it was renamed the People’s Republic of Benin and in 1991 as the Republic of Benin.

From 1899 to 1942, stamps inscribed Dahomey were issued. From 1942 until 1960 the stamps of French West Africa were used, but from 1960 until the formation of the Republic of Benin, Dahomey stamps were once again issued.