Savalou is a city located in the Collines Department of Benin. The commune covers an area of 2,674 square kilometres and as of 2012 had a population of 35,433 people. It is the birthplace of Olympic Beninese hurdler Odile Ahouanwanou. Savalou, like many areas of Benin, is home to a constituent monarchy.

In total, four regents and seven kings succeeded Soha Gbaguidi I on the throne of Savalou until the kingdom was placed under French protectorate by Zoundégla Gbaguidi VIII. Since then, kings have succeeded one another on the throne with the approval of the colonial power and then by consensus among the notables of the kingdom.