Benin

COUNTRY FLAG

COAT OF ARMS
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LOCATION MAP

AREA MAP
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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

  • Fri - Dec 18, 2020: Final Five Winners of Youth Innovation Challenge On Democracy and Governance Unveiled - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [African Union] Five young innovators have been named winners of the Youth Innovation Challenge on Democracy and Governance in Africa. The winners were unveiled at the 9th High Level Dialogue Democracy, Human Rights and Governance. The five will benefit from technical support, coaching and mentorship to enable them scale up their digital or non-digital innovations and be accorded opportunities to showcase their innovation in continental and global platforms.
  • Fri - Dec 18, 2020: Benin Strengthens Fiscal Management and Its Energy and Digital Sectors to Boost Growth - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [World Bank] Washington -- The World Bank today approved $100 million from the International Development Association (IDA)* to help the government of Benin strengthen fiscal and debt management, improve the financial sustainability of the energy sector, and foster the development of the digital economy.
  • Thu - Dec 17, 2020: Crisis of Confidence in Benin Deepens - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [ISS] The African Court's recent decision could see a political standoff ahead of presidential elections in April 2021.
  • Wed - Dec 16, 2020: 35,000 Vulnerable Beninese Youth to Benefit From New Technical Training and Employment Services - AllAfrica News: Benin
    [World Bank] Washington -- The World Bank has approved $60 million in financing from the International Development Association (IDA)* to help Benin increase the economic inclusion of youth from impoverished backgrounds and strengthen employment services and the technical and vocational training system.