PARAKOU, APOSTOLIC PREFECTURE OF. - The territory was detached on 13 May 1948 from the apostolic prefecture of Niamey (v.), which passed to the Redemptorist fathers; the new apostolic prefecture of P. remained entrusted to the fathers of the Society of African Missions.
It comprises the northern part of the colony of Dahomey, that is, the civil districts of P., Djougou, Natitingou and Kandi, and it borders to the south with the apostolic vicariate of Ouidah, to the west with Togo, to the north with the apostolic prefecture of Niamey and to the east with Nigeria. The circle of Natitingou, of the Somba race, is pagan; that of P., of the Pila-Pila and Bariba race, is likewise pagan, but in its eastern part it has already been touched by Islam; the circle of Kandi, of the Bariba and Dendi race, is partly Muslim, especially along the Niger River. There are no important cities. The oldest mission station is that of Natitingou, which became a residence only in 1942. The others were almost all opened after 1946.
By decree of 13 May 1948 there was a modification of boundaries between the new apostolic prefecture of P. and the apostolic vicariate of Dahomey, which changed its name to that of Ouidah (v.).
It has an area of approximately 86,160 sq km and a population of approximately 451,060 inhabitants. Catholics 3776, catechumens 1885, Protestants approximately 200, Muslims approximately 150,000, and the others pagans. Missionaries 18, sisters 16. Districts 11, mission stations 33, churches 2, chapels 42. Dispensaries 4, elementary schools 3. The apostolate presents not a few difficulties, especially because of the activity of the English and American Protestants, who have ample resources at their disposal.