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Benin
đď¸ Capital city:
Porto-Novo
đ Country population:
14 million
đşď¸ Country area:
114,763 km²
Core Facts / Infobox
Present this as a clean two-column table containing accurate and verified national facts. Include only fields with real data.
| Official Name | Republic of Benin |
| Common Name | Benin |
| Political Status | Sovereign unitary presidential republic |
| ISO Codes | BJ, BEN, 204 |
| Internet TLD | .bj |
| Calling Code | +229 |
| Capital City | Porto-Novo |
| Largest City | Cotonou |
| Coordinates | 9.31° N, 2.32° E |
| Time Zone | UTC+1 (West Africa Time) |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~14 million |
| Area | 114,763 km² |
| Population Density | ~122 per km² |
| Languages | French (official); Fon, Yoruba, Bariba and others |
| Currency | West African CFA Franc (XOF) |
| Driving Side | Right |
| GDP (Nominal) | ~USD 20 billion |
| GDP Per Capita | ~USD 1,400 |
| HDI | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | ~62 years |
| Continent & Subregion | Africa â West Africa |
| National Day | Independence Day (1 August) |
| National Anthem | LâAube Nouvelle |
Geography & Environment
- Located in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea.
- Borders Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria.
- Southern coastal plains rise to savanna and plateaus in the north.
- Major rivers include the OuĂŠmĂŠ and Niger (northeast).
- Climate: tropical with wet and dry seasons.
Demographics
- Population: ~14 million.
- Ethnically diverse with Fon, Yoruba, Bariba and others.
- Major cities: Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Parakou, Abomey-Calavi.
- Religions: Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs (including Vodun).
History
- Heartland of the historic Kingdom of Dahomey.
- Major center of the Atlantic slave trade (Ouidah).
- Colonized by France in the late 19th century.
- Gained independence in 1960.
- Transitioned to multiparty democracy in the 1990s.
Government & Politics
- Political system: Presidential republic.
- Head of State & Government: President.
- Legislature: unicameral National Assembly.
- Administrative divisions: departments and communes.
Economy
- Lower-middle-income developing economy.
- Key sectors: agriculture, trade, services.
- Main exports: cotton, cashew nuts, re-exports.
- Strengths: port and trade hub (Cotonou).
- Weaknesses: dependence on agriculture and regional trade.
Culture & Society
- Rich traditions in music, dance, and festivals.
- Birthplace of Vodun (Voodoo) religion.
- Strong oral history and craftsmanship.
Food & Cuisine
- Staple foods: maize, cassava, yams.
- Traditional dishes: akassa, amiwo, pâte with sauce.
- Use of palm oil, spices, and fish common.
Education & Institutions
- Education access improving nationwide.
- Major institution: University of Abomey-Calavi.
Tourism
- Growing cultural tourism sector.
- Top attractions: Royal Palaces of Abomey (UNESCO), Ouidah.
- Festivals celebrating Vodun and heritage.
Practical Information
- Emergency number: 117 (police).
- Plug type: C/E; Voltage: 220V.
- Infrastructure strongest in coastal cities.
Sports, Entertainment & Notable People
- Popular sports: football.
- Active cultural and arts scene.
- Notable figures: Hubert Maga, AngĂŠlique Kidjo.
Neighboring Countries of Benin
Benin is located in West Africa and borders four countries: Burkina Faso to the north, Niger to the northeast, Nigeria to the east, and Togo to the west. To the south, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
Famous For
- Kingdom of Dahomey.
- Vodun religion.
- Royal Palaces of Abomey.
- Cotton production.
Sources
- World Bank
- United Nations (UN Data)
- IMF
- CIA World Factbook
- National Institute of Statistics and Economic Analysis (Benin)