tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north; the country's length allows it to stretch through six distinct geographic regions; climate varies from tropical to savanna  

gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes

Highest Point: Mont Agou 986 m

Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Hazards:
hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during winter; periodic droughts

Environmental Issues:
deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; water pollution presents health hazards and hinders the fishing industry; air pollution increasing in urban areas