PARAKOU, APOSTOLIC PREFECTURE of. - The territory was detached on 13 May 1948 DAHOMEY (v.), which was entrusted 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, namely the civil districts of P., Djougou, Natitingou, and Kandi, and borders to the south on the apostolic vicariate of Ouidah, to the west on Togo, to the north on the apostolic prefecture of Niamey, and to the east on Nigeria. The district of Natitingou, of the Somba race, is pagan; that of P., of the Pila-Pila and Bariba races, is likewise pagan, but in its eastern part has already been touched by Islam; the district of Kandi, of the Bariba and Dendi races, is partly Muslim, especially along the Niger River. There are no important towns. 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 the boundaries between the new apostolic prefecture of P. and the apostolic vicariate of Dahomey, which changed Ouidah (v.).
It has an area of approximately 86,160 sq. km. and a population of approximately 451,060 inhabitants. Catholics 3,776, catechumens 1,885, Protestants approximately 200, Muslims approximately 150,000, and the remainder pagans. Missionaries 18, nuns 16. Districts 11, mission stations 33, churches 2, chapels 42. Dispensaries 4, elementary schools 3. The apostolate presents considerable difficulties, especially because of the activity of English and American Protestants, who have ample resources at their disposal.