Benin
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 13
Currency
💱 West African CFA franc
Languages
🗣️ French
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Benin
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Beninese
Independence
August 1, 1960 (from France)
Top-Level Domain
.bj
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+229
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Porto-Novo
ISO Alpha-2
BJ
ISO Alpha-3
BEN
UN Code
204
Geographic Coordinates
9.5,2.25
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
112,622#102 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
13,551,992#77 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
125.14
Highest Point (m)
658
Lowest Point (m)
0
Land Use
Agricultural land: 38.3%; forest: 37.1%; other: 24.6% (2018 estimate)
Irrigated Land
200 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
121 km
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid; dry season in the south (December to April), wet season in the south (April to November); hot and humid all year in the north
Natural Resources
Small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Togo
Major Rivers
Niger River, Ouémé River, Mono River
Major Lakes
Lake Nokoué
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
12 departments
Legal System
Based on French civil law and customary law
Chief of State
President Patrice TALON
Head of Government
President Patrice TALON
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Elections
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term; last held in April 2021
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court (Cour Suprême); Constitutional Court (Cour Constitutionnelle)
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale)
Major Political Parties
Parti du Renouveau Démocratique (PRD), Union Progressiste le Renouveau (UPR), Bloc Républicain (BR)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
West African CFA franc
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
24.57#125 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
71.36#119 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,658.27#177 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
22.92
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
17.5
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
50.06
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.1#148 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6,644,562
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.59#172 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 54.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
The government budget includes revenue and expenditure figures, available from official sources.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.19#137 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.93#142 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves can be found from the Central Bank of Benin.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online or at local banks.
GDP by Sector
Services, agriculture, and industry are the main sectors.
Major Industries
Cotton, food processing, construction materials.
Major Export Partners
Nigeria, India, Togo.
Major Import Partners
China, France, India, Togo.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
51.38#157 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
33.4
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.7
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -0.6 migrants per 1,000 population (2022 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 19.3 years (2022 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
53.36#147 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 3.48% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
61#206 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 1.2% (adult prevalence, 2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
3.34
Ethnic Groups
Fon, Yoruba, Adja, Bariba, and others.
Religions
Christianity, Islam, and indigenous beliefs.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
French
Education
Education System
The education system in Benin comprises primary, secondary, and higher education. French is the language of instruction. Enrollment rates are improving, but quality and infrastructure require attention.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2016)Checked September 29, 2026
12.6
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education in Benin is around 4-5% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Abomey-Calavi and the University of Parakou.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Benin's culture is rich and diverse, shaped by various ethnic groups and traditions. Voodoo is a significant cultural element, and the country boasts a vibrant arts scene.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Traditional Day (2026-01-10)
- Easter Sunday (2026-04-05)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Ascension Day (2026-05-14)
- Whit Monday (2026-05-25)
- Independence Day (2026-08-01)
- Assumption Day (2026-08-15)
- Armed Forces Day (2026-10-26)
- All Saints' Day (2026-11-01)
- National Day (2026-11-30)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include Afrobeat, Zouk, and traditional rhythms, with artists incorporating modern styles.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include 'waakye', 'akassa', and various stews with beans, meat, and vegetables.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, followed by basketball.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Voodoo Festival and various local harvest festivals.
Famous People
Famous people include artists, writers, and politicians like Angélique Kidjo and Mathieu Kérékou.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Benin has sites of historical and cultural significance, including former royal palaces and traditional villages.
UNESCO Sites
Benin has UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Royal Palaces of Abomey.
Annual Tourist Visits
—
Tourism Overview
—
Top Tourist Attractions
—
Famous Cities
—
National Parks
—
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
—
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
—
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index varies; data can be found from the World Health Organization.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and facility.
Number of Hospitals
The number of hospitals varies; up-to-date figures can be found from the Ministry of Health.
Universal Healthcare
Benin's healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers, with ongoing efforts to expand access and improve quality. Universal health coverage is a goal, but accessibility and affordability remain challenges.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available in urban areas; access can be limited in rural areas.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is available, but may be limited in rural areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
—
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
—
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
Rail transport exists, but is limited in coverage.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
Transportation relies on a mix of roads, with a growing number of improved roads. Public transportation includes buses and taxis.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport (COO)
Ports
—
Public Transit
—
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
33.98#176 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.49#163 of 202
Air Quality Index
—
Water Pollution Level
—
Renewable Energy Usage
—
Environmental Issues
—
Natural Hazards
—
Waste Management
—
Environmental Agreements
—
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
—