Benin

Africa
Porto-Novo

Population

15.19M

Area

112,622 km²

GDP

$21.48B

GDP Per Capita

$3,900

Quick FAQs

Region

Africa

Capital

Porto-Novo

ISO 3166

bj

Government Type

presidential republic

Language

French (official); Fon (a Gbe language), Learn more

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About Benin

Benin is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The country features a diverse landscape ranging from coastal plains to plateaus and rolling hills, with a tropical climate. French serves as the official language, and Porto-Novo serves as the capital, while Cotonou functions as the largest city and economic hub.

Benin’s economy is primarily agricultural, with cotton as the main export crop alongside cashews, palm oil, and pineapples. The country has experienced political stability and economic growth in recent years, attracting foreign investment and developing its port infrastructure. Challenges including limited industrial diversification and infrastructure gaps persist, but Benin continues to implement reforms to improve the business climate and reduce poverty. The country is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including the historic Kingdom of Dahomey and vibrant Vodun traditions.

Geography & Environment

Geographic Location

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and Togo

Geographic Coordinate

9 30 N, 2 15 E

Geographic Area

112,622 km²

Climate

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Terrain

mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains

Natural Hazards

N/A

Natural Resources

small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber

Geography Note

N/A

People & Society

Ave. Life Expentancy at Birth

61.0 years

Urbanization

50.10%

Population Growth Rate

3.26% (2025 est.)

Literacy Rate

N/A

Health Expendeture

N/A

Education Expenditure

6.3% of GDP (2022 est.)

Languages

French (official); Fon (a Gbe language), Yom (a Gur language) and Yoruba are the most important indigenous languages in the south; half a dozen regionally important languages in the north, including Bariba and Fulfulde

Religions

Muslim 27.7%, Roman Catholic 25.5%, Protestant 13.5% (Celestial 6.7%, Methodist 3.4%, other Protestant 3.4%), Vodoun 11.6%, other Christian 9.5%, other traditional religions 2.6%, other 2.6%, none 5.8% (2013 est.)

Government

Country Name

conventional long form

Republic of Benin

conventional short form

Benin

local long form

République du Benin

local short form

Benin

former

Dahomey, People's Republic of Benin

etymology

the current name comes from a local ethnic group, the Bini, whose name may be related to the Arabic word bani, meaning "sons;" the former name, Dahomey, comes from a previous kingdom in the area called Dan Homé

Economy

Economic Overview

robust economic growth; slightly declining but still widespread poverty; strong trade relations with Nigeria; cotton exporter; COVID-19 has led to capital outflows and border closures; WAEMU member with currency pegged to the euro; recent fiscal deficit and debt reductions

GDP Per Capita

$3,900

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Population Below Poverty Line

38.5% (2018 est.)

Industries

textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement

Agricultural Products

cassava, yams, maize, oil palm fruit, cotton, soybeans, rice, pineapples, tomatoes, chillies/peppers (2023)

Location

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