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: 12,864,634 (2020)

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

Major Ethnic Groups:

  • Fon and related: 38.4%
  • Adja and related: 15.1%
  • Yoruba and related: 12%
  • Bariba and related: 9.6%
  • Fulani and related: 8.6%
  • Ottamari and related: 6.1%
  • Yoa-Lokpa and related: 4.3%
  • Dendi and related: 2.9%
  • Other: 1.8% (includes Europeans)
 Religions:

  • Catholic: 25.5%
  • Muslim: 27.7%
  • Vodoun: 11.6%
  • Protestant: 13.5% (Celestial: 6.7%, Methodist: 3.4%, other Protestant: 3.4%)
  • Other Christian: 9.5%
  • Other: 11%

Language(s):

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

Links:

RECENT NEWS

  • Wed - Apr 14, 2021: The Church of Benin Celebrates 160 Years of Evangelization - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [Agenzia Fides] Cotonou -- "The missionary work was the seed from which the Beninese clergy and entire generations of convinced Christians germinated, whose vision and action have contributed to making our Church in Benin a Church capable of enriching the entire universal Church with its gifts". Thus writes Romain Hounzandji, a Catholic university professor, on the occasion of 160 years of evangelization in Benin. It was April 18, 1861 when Fathers Francesco Borghero and Francisco Fernandez, missionaries of the Society of African Mi
  • Wed - Apr 14, 2021: Early Results of Presidential Election Expected to Favour Incumbent - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [VOA] The early results of the first round of Benin's presidential election are expected Tuesday, with President Patrice Talon set to win a second five-year term amid accusations of election fraud.
  • Wed - Apr 14, 2021: Democracy Under Threat in Benin - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [VOA] Dakar -- As Benin awaits results from Sunday's election, many hoped the small, West African country would continue its tradition as a beacon of democracy in the region. But analysts worry Benin is following the path of neighbors like Chad, which held elections the same day and is expected to extend President Idriss Deby's 30-year rule.
  • Tue - Apr 13, 2021: NEC Participate in Benin Elections - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [New Dawn] The National Elections Commission (NEC), is participating in a peer support and learning mission to the 11th Presidential Elections in Benin Republic.
  • Mon - Apr 12, 2021: Benin Holds Presidential Election After a Week of Violence - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [VOA] Benin voters are casting their ballots Sunday in a presidential election after a week of deadly violence against President Patrice Talon, who is seeking reelection.