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Benin: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As People’s Republic of Benin • Dahomey • Republic of Dahomey • Republic of Benin • République du Bénin
Head Of State And Government President: Romuald Wadagni2
Capital Porto-Novo3
Population (2026 est.) 12,505,000
Form Of Government multiparty republic with two legislative houses (Senate [251]; National Assembly [109])
Official Language French
Official Religion none
Official Name République du Bénin (Republic of Benin)
Total Area (Sq Km) 114,763
Total Area (Sq Mi) 44,310
Monetary Unit CFA franc (CFAF)
Population Rank (2026) 80
Population Projection 2030 16,776,000
Density: Persons Per Sq Mi (2026) 282.2
Density: Persons Per Sq Km (2026) 109
Urban-Rural Population Urban: (2024) 50.7% • Rural: (2024) 49.3%
Life Expectancy At Birth Male: (2021) 61.7 years • Female: (2021) 66.4 years
Gni (U.S.$ ’000,000) (2024) 20,619
Gni Per Capita (U.S.$) (2024) 1,430
1The Senate, provided for under a 2025 constitutional amendment, was established in July 2026; it comprises at least 25 members, including appointed members who serve a renewable five-year term, and ex officio members (former elected presidents of Benin, former National Assembly presidents, and former Constitutional Court presidents).2The office of prime minister, vacant from May 1998, was filled in May 2011, was vacant from August 2013 until being filled in June 2015, and then vacant again from April 2016; the post of prime minister is not required per the constitution.3Porto-Novo, the official capital established under the constitution, is the seat of the legislature, but the president and most government ministers reside in Cotonou.

Photos and Videos

Benin
Map of Benin and its surrounding countries in West Africa, showing Benin's national boundaries, major cities such as Porto-Novo, Cotonou, Parakou, and Natitingou, as well as neighboring countries Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, and Ghana. The map includes a small locator inset highlighting Benin's position on the continent along the Bight of Benin.
Map of West Africa highlighting Benin in light brown, with surrounding countries labeled, including Nigeria to the east, Togo to the west, Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Major neighboring countries such as Ghana, Mali, and Cameroon are also shown.
Map of Benin highlighting its physical features, including major rivers such as the Oueme and Alibori, mountain areas like the Atakora Mountains, and national parks in the north. Neighboring countries Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, and Ghana are shown, with Benin stretching from the Atlantic coast at the Bight of Benin inland. An inset locator map shows Benin's position in West Africa.
An adult African elephant and a baby elephant walk side by side through dry grassland in Pendjari National Park, Benin.
Groups of people, including children and adults, relax and play along the shoreline at Obama Beach in Cotonou, Benin, under a partly cloudy sky.
Abomey
Benin: Fulani Women
Porto-Novo: Cathedral
A Ninssouhoue dancer in colorful traditional clothing performs a dynamic move at a Voodoo ceremony in Ouidah, Benin, with a seated audience watching in the background.
Take a visual tour of the city of Cotonou, Benin
National anthem of Benin
See All Videos, Images, Audio and Interactives →

Related Topics and References

Topics
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Ovonramwen
king of Benin

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