Benin

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INFORMATION

Capital: Porto-Novo

Government: Presidential Representative Democratic Republic

Current President: Patrice Talon

Economy:

  • Underdeveloped. Dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade.

Population: 11,340,504 (2018)

Land Size: 112,622 sq km (43,484 sq miles)

Major Ethnic Groups:

  • Fon and related: 39.2%
  • Adja and related: 15.2%
  • Yoruba and related: 17.3%
  • Bariba and related: 9.2%
  • Peulh and related: 7%
  • Ottamari and related: 6.1%
  • Yoa-Lokpa and related: 4%
  • Dendi and related: 2.5%
  • Other: 1.6% (includes Europeans)
  • Unspecified: 2.9%
 Religions:

  • Catholic: 27.1%
  • Muslim: 24.4%
  • Vodoun: 17.3%
  • Protestant: 10.4% (Celestial: 5%, Methodist: 3.2%, other Protestant: 2.2%)
  • Other Christian: 5.3%
  • Other: 15.5%

Language(s):

  • French (official)
  • Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south)

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RECENT NEWS

  • Thu - Nov 28, 2019: Govt Orders EU Ambassador to Leave - Reports - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [Deutsche Welle] The West African nation has reportedly moved to expel the EU ambassador, on accusations of interfering in domestic affairs. Benin has faced a crisis after a new election law excluded opposition parties.
  • Wed - Nov 27, 2019: Border Closure - Obasanjo Backs Buhari - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [Vanguard] Lagos -Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, spoke in favour of Nigeria's partial border closure with neighbours, asking Benin Republic to change its ways for a harmonious bilateral relationship between the two countries.
  • Wed - Nov 27, 2019: Border Closure - Benin Must Be Sincere With Nigeria, Says Obasanjo - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [This Day] Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged Nigeria's neighbour, Benin Republic, to change its ways for a harmonious bilateral relationship between the two countries.
  • Thu - Nov 21, 2019: Angelique Kidjo, Burna Boy and Trevor Noah Get Grammy Nod for 2020 - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [Citizen] Africa is heavily represented for the 2020 Grammy Awards as Angélique Kidjo, Burna Boy & Trevor Noah have been nominated for famous show.
  • Mon - Nov 18, 2019: Activist Brings Health Kits to Haiti's Poor - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [VOA] French Beninese writer and activist Kemi Seba is in Haiti this weekend on a humanitarian mission.