Benin
AfricaBN December 31, 2025
Background
Present-day Benin is comprised of about 42 ethnic groups, including the Yoruba in the southeast, who migrated from what is now Nigeria in the 12th century; the Dendi in the north-central area, who came from Mali in the 16th century; the Bariba and the Fula in the northeast; the Ottamari in the Atakora mountains; the Fon in the area around Abomey in the south-central area; and the Mina, Xueda, and Aja, who came from Togo, on the coast. The Kingdom of Dahomey emerged on the Abomey plateau in the 17th century and was a regional power for much of the 18th and 19th centuries. The growth of Dahomey coincided with the growth of the Atlantic slave trade, and it became known as a major source of enslaved people. France began to control the coastal areas of Dahomey in the second half of the 19th century; the entire kingdom was conquered by 1894. French Dahomey achieved independence in 1960, and it changed its name to the Republic of Benin in 1975.
A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and a Marxist-Leninist government. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU returned to power after elections in 1996 and 2001. He stepped down in 2006 and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and independent, who won a second term in 2011. Patrice TALON, a wealthy businessman, took office in 2016; the space for pluralism, dissent, and free expression has narrowed under his administration. TALON won a second term in 2021.
A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and a Marxist-Leninist government. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU returned to power after elections in 1996 and 2001. He stepped down in 2006 and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and independent, who won a second term in 2011. Patrice TALON, a wealthy businessman, took office in 2016; the space for pluralism, dissent, and free expression has narrowed under his administration. TALON won a second term in 2021.
Geographic coordinates
9 30 N, 2 15 E
Natural hazards
hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December to March
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Environmental issues
inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution; poaching; deforestation; desertification; droughts
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north
Coastline
121 km
Land boundaries
Total: 2,123 km
Border countries (4): Burkina Faso 386 km; Niger 277 km; Nigeria 809 km; Togo 651 km
Border countries (4): Burkina Faso 386 km; Niger 277 km; Nigeria 809 km; Togo 651 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 41.8% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 31.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 5.5% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 4.9% (2023 est.)
Forest: 28.5% (2023 est.)
Other: 29.7% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 31.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 5.5% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 4.9% (2023 est.)
Forest: 28.5% (2023 est.)
Other: 29.7% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 200 nm; note: the US does not recognize this claim
Continental shelf: 200 nm
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Natural resources
small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber
Geography - note
sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural harbors, river mouths, or islands
Terrain
mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains
Location
Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and Togo
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
530 sq km (2019)
Total renewable water resources
26.39 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
the population is primarily located in the south, with the highest concentration of people residing in and around the cities on the Atlantic coast; most of the north remains sparsely populated with higher concentrations of residents in the west, as shown in this population distribution map
Elevation
Highest point: Unnamed elevation 675 m; located 2.5 km southeast of the town of Kotopounga
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 273 m
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 273 m
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km)
Area
Total : 112,622 sq km
Land: 110,622 sq km
Water: 2,000 sq km
Land: 110,622 sq km
Water: 2,000 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 45.3% (male 3,360,027/female 3,294,201)
15-64 years: 52.2% (male 3,727,040/female 3,951,786)
65 years and over: 2.5% (2024 est.) (male 166,191/female 197,807)
15-64 years: 52.2% (male 3,727,040/female 3,951,786)
65 years and over: 2.5% (2024 est.) (male 166,191/female 197,807)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 51.4% (2022 est.)
Male: 62.6% (2022 est.)
Female: 41.5% (2022 est.)
Male: 62.6% (2022 est.)
Female: 41.5% (2022 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Beninese (singular and plural)
Adjective: Beninese
Adjective: Beninese
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 10 years (2022 est.)
Male: 11 years (2022 est.)
Female: 9 years (2022 est.)
Male: 11 years (2022 est.)
Female: 9 years (2022 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 50.1% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 3.74% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 3.74% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 74.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 60.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 67.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 25.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 39.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 32.6% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 74.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 60.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 67.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 25.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 39.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 32.6% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
285,000 PORTO-NOVO (capital) (2018); 1.253 million Abomey-Calavi, 722,000 COTONOU (seat of government) (2022)
Physician density
0.22 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
0.4 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.5 years (2017/18 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 91.4 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 86.7 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 4.7 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 86.7 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 4.7 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 58.5% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 20.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 39.5% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 41.5% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 79.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 60.5% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 58.5% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 20.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 39.5% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 41.5% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 79.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 60.5% of population (2022 est.)
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 0.9%, foreigner 1.9% (2013 est.)
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.)
Languages
55 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
Health expenditure
2.6% of GDP (2021)
2.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
2.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 5.9% (2022)
Women married by age 18: 27.5% (2022)
Men married by age 18: 4.6% (2022)
Women married by age 18: 27.5% (2022)
Men married by age 18: 4.6% (2022)
Gross reproduction rate
2.61 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
65.7% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 3.3% (2024 est.)
Male: 3.6% (2024 est.)
Female: 2.9% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 3.6% (2024 est.)
Female: 2.9% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
0.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 17.2 years (2024 est.)
Male: 16.6 years
Female: 17.7 years
Male: 16.6 years
Female: 17.7 years
Maternal mortality ratio
518 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
5.34 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 14,697,052 (2024 est.)
Male: 7,253,258
Female: 7,443,794
Male: 7,253,258
Female: 7,443,794
Infant mortality rate
Total: 52.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 57.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 47.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 57.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 47.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 4.8% (2025 est.)
Male: 8.3% (2025 est.)
Female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
Male: 8.3% (2025 est.)
Female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
9.6% (2016)
Death rate
7.6 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
40.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
19.6% (2021 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 1.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.81 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.81 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 63 years (2024 est.)
Male: 61.1 years
Female: 65 years
Male: 61.1 years
Female: 65 years
Education expenditure
3.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
18% national budget (2025 est.)
18% national budget (2025 est.)
Population growth rate
3.29% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 145 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 30 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 59 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 30 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 59 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 685,900 tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 56.9% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 56.9% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
32.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
5.948 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 379,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 5.263 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 306,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 379,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 5.263 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 306,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
6.472 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Brian SHUKAN (since 5 May 2022)
Embassy: 01BP 2012, Cotonou
Mailing address:
Telephone: [229] 21-36-75-00
FAX: [229] 21-30-03-84
Email address and website:
ACSCotonou@state.gov
https://bj.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: 01BP 2012, Cotonou
Mailing address:
2120 Cotonou Place, Washington DC 20521-2120
Telephone: [229] 21-36-75-00
FAX: [229] 21-30-03-84
Email address and website:
ACSCotonou@state.gov
https://bj.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
12 departments; Alibori, Atacora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Couffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou
Capital
Name: Porto-Novo (constitutional capital); Cotonou (seat of government)
Geographic coordinates: 6 29 N, 2 37 E
Time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name Porto-Novo is Portuguese for "new port"; Cotonou means "mouth of the river of death" in the native Fon language
Geographic coordinates: 6 29 N, 2 37 E
Time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name Porto-Novo is Portuguese for "new port"; Cotonou means "mouth of the river of death" in the native Fon language
Constitution
History: Previous 1946, 1958 (pre-independence); latest adopted by referendum 2 December 1990, promulgated 11 December 1990
Amendment process: Proposed concurrently by the president of the republic (after a decision in the Council of Ministers) and the National Assembly; consideration of drafts or proposals requires at least three-fourths majority vote of the Assembly membership; passage requires approval in a referendum unless approved by at least four-fifths majority vote of the Assembly membership; constitutional articles affecting territorial sovereignty, the republican form of government, and secularity of Benin cannot be amended
Amendment process: Proposed concurrently by the president of the republic (after a decision in the Council of Ministers) and the National Assembly; consideration of drafts or proposals requires at least three-fourths majority vote of the Assembly membership; passage requires approval in a referendum unless approved by at least four-fifths majority vote of the Assembly membership; constitutional articles affecting territorial sovereignty, the republican form of government, and secularity of Benin cannot be amended
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Patrice TALON (since 6 April 2016)
Head of government: President Patrice TALON (since 6 April 2016)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
Most recent election date: 11 April 2021
Election results:
2021: Patrice TALON reelected president in the ; percent of vote - Patrice TALON (independent) 86.3%, Alassane SOUMANOU (FCBE) 11.4%, Corentin KOHOUE (The Democrats) 2.3%
2016: Patrice TALON elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Lionel ZINSOU (FCBE) 28.4%, Patrice TALON (independent) 24.8%, Sebastien AJAVON (independent) 23%, Abdoulaye Bio TCHANE (ABT) 8.8%, Pascal KOUPAKI (NC) 5.9%, other 9.1%; percent of vote in second round - Patrice TALON 65.4%, Lionel ZINSOU 34.6%
Expected date of next election: 12 April 2026
Note: The president is both head of state and head of government
Head of government: President Patrice TALON (since 6 April 2016)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
Most recent election date: 11 April 2021
Election results:
2021: Patrice TALON reelected president in the ; percent of vote - Patrice TALON (independent) 86.3%, Alassane SOUMANOU (FCBE) 11.4%, Corentin KOHOUE (The Democrats) 2.3%
2016: Patrice TALON elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Lionel ZINSOU (FCBE) 28.4%, Patrice TALON (independent) 24.8%, Sebastien AJAVON (independent) 23%, Abdoulaye Bio TCHANE (ABT) 8.8%, Pascal KOUPAKI (NC) 5.9%, other 9.1%; percent of vote in second round - Patrice TALON 65.4%, Lionel ZINSOU 34.6%
Expected date of next election: 12 April 2026
Note: The president is both head of state and head of government
Flag
Description: Two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom) to the right, with a vertical green band on the left side
Meaning: Green stands for hope and revival, yellow for wealth, and red for courage
History: Uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
Meaning: Green stands for hope and revival, yellow for wealth, and red for courage
History: Uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
Independence
1 August 1960 (from France)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of the chief justice and 16 justices organized into an administrative division, judicial chamber, and chamber of accounts); Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle (consists of 7 members, including the court president); High Court of Justice (consists of the Constitutional Court members, 6 members appointed by the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court president)
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president and judges appointed by the president of the republic on the advice of the National Assembly; judges appointed for single renewable 5-year terms; Constitutional Court members - 4 appointed by the National Assembly and 3 by the president of the republic; members appointed for single renewable 5-year terms; other members of the High Court of Justice elected by the National Assembly; member tenure NA
Subordinate courts: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court for the Repression of Economic and Terrorism Infractions (CRIET) or Cour de Répression des Infractions Economiques et du Terrorisme; district courts; village courts; Assize courts
Note: jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice is limited to cases of high treason by the national president or members of the government while in office
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president and judges appointed by the president of the republic on the advice of the National Assembly; judges appointed for single renewable 5-year terms; Constitutional Court members - 4 appointed by the National Assembly and 3 by the president of the republic; members appointed for single renewable 5-year terms; other members of the High Court of Justice elected by the National Assembly; member tenure NA
Subordinate courts: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court for the Repression of Economic and Terrorism Infractions (CRIET) or Cour de Répression des Infractions Economiques et du Terrorisme; district courts; village courts; Assize courts
Note: jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice is limited to cases of high treason by the national president or members of the government while in office
Legal system
civil law system modeled largely on the French system and some customary law
Legislative branch
Legislature name: National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 109 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 1/8/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: Progressive Union for Renewal (53); Republican Block (BR) (28); Democrats (28)
Percentage of women in chamber: 26.6%
Expected date of next election: January 2026
Note: Seat total includes 24 seats reserved for women
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 109 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 1/8/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: Progressive Union for Renewal (53); Republican Block (BR) (28); Democrats (28)
Percentage of women in chamber: 26.6%
Expected date of next election: January 2026
Note: Seat total includes 24 seats reserved for women
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, CD, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MNJTF, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 1 August (1960)
Political parties
African Movement for Development and Progress or MADEP
Benin Renaissance or RB
Cowrie Force for an Emerging Benin or FCBE
Democratic Renewal Party or PRD
Progressive Union for Renewal
Republican Bloc
Sun Alliance or AS
The Democrats
Union Makes the Nation or UN (includes PRD, MADEP)
Note: Approximately 20 additional minor parties
Benin Renaissance or RB
Cowrie Force for an Emerging Benin or FCBE
Democratic Renewal Party or PRD
Progressive Union for Renewal
Republican Bloc
Sun Alliance or AS
The Democrats
Union Makes the Nation or UN (includes PRD, MADEP)
Note: Approximately 20 additional minor parties
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
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
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
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Agniola AHOUANMENOU (since 24 July 2025)
Chancery: 2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656
FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996
Email address and website:
Ambassade.washington@gouv.bj
https://beninembassy.us/
Chancery: 2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656
FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996
Email address and website:
Ambassade.washington@gouv.bj
https://beninembassy.us/
National anthem(s)
Title: "L'Aube Nouvelle" (The Dawn of a New Day)
Lyrics/music: Gilbert Jean DAGNON
History: Adopted 1960
Lyrics/music: Gilbert Jean DAGNON
History: Adopted 1960
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
leopard
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Benin
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Benin
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 3 (2 cultural, 1 natural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Royal Palaces of Abomey (c); W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (n); Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba (c)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Royal Palaces of Abomey (c); W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (n); Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba (c)
National color(s)
green, yellow, red
Population below poverty line
38.5% (2018 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 3.1% (2021 est.)
Highest 10%: 27.2% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 27.2% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
gold, cotton, coconuts/brazil nuts/cashews, soybeans, wood (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
UAE 42%, Bangladesh 20%, India 11%, China 5%, Togo 3% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
cassava, yams, maize, oil palm fruit, cotton, soybeans, rice, pineapples, tomatoes, chillies/peppers (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $2.024 billion (2019 est.)
Expenditures: $2.101 billion (2019 est.)
Expenditures: $2.101 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - commodities
rice, refined petroleum, palm oil, poultry, cars (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
606.345 (2024 est.)
606.655 (2023 est.)
622.912 (2022 est.)
554.608 (2021 est.)
574.295 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
606.345 (2024 est.)
606.655 (2023 est.)
622.912 (2022 est.)
554.608 (2021 est.)
574.295 (2020 est.)
Industries
textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement
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 (official exchange rate)
$21.483 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 58.9% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 9% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 34.7% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.4% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 18.8% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -21.8% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 9% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 34.7% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.4% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 18.8% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -21.8% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
China 21%, India 15%, USA 6%, France 6%, Nigeria 4% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Remittances
1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
6.397 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$6.309 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Unemployment rate
1.8% (2024 est.)
1.7% (2023 est.)
1.7% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
1.7% (2023 est.)
1.7% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$56.424 billion (2024 est.)
$52.51 billion (2023 est.)
$49.374 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$52.51 billion (2023 est.)
$49.374 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
1.2% (2024 est.)
2.7% (2023 est.)
1.4% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
2.7% (2023 est.)
1.4% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$1.609 billion (2023 est.)
-$991.005 million (2022 est.)
-$734.659 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$991.005 million (2022 est.)
-$734.659 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$3,900 (2024 est.)
$3,700 (2023 est.)
$3,600 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$3,700 (2023 est.)
$3,600 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$6.189 billion (2023 est.)
$5.296 billion (2022 est.)
$4.925 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$5.296 billion (2022 est.)
$4.925 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$4.511 billion (2023 est.)
$4.271 billion (2022 est.)
$4.154 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$4.271 billion (2022 est.)
$4.154 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
7.5% (2024 est.)
6.4% (2023 est.)
6.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
6.4% (2023 est.)
6.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
9.7% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 24.2% (2024 est.)
Industry: 17.4% (2024 est.)
Services: 48.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 17.4% (2024 est.)
Services: 48.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 56.5% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 71.1%
Electrification - rural areas: 45.5%
Electrification - urban areas: 71.1%
Electrification - rural areas: 45.5%
Coal
Consumption: 164,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 164,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 164,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 96.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 3.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 3.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Consumption: 157.25 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 157.25 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 1.133 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Imports: 157.25 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 1.133 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 40,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 8 million barrels (2021 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 8 million barrels (2021 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 505,000 kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 1.459 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 2 million kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 844.888 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 385 million kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 1.459 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 2 million kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 844.888 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 385 million kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 32% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.bj
Broadcast media
state-run Office de Radiodiffusion et de Télévision du Benin (ORTB) operates a TV station with a wide broadcast reach; several privately owned TV stations broadcast from Cotonou; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio, under ORTB control, includes a national station supplemented by a number of regional stations; substantial number of privately owned radio stations; transmissions of a few international broadcasters are available on FM in Cotonou (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 16.4 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 109 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 109 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 24,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 1,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Railways
Total: 438 km (2014)
Narrow gauge: 438 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
Narrow gauge: 438 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
TY
Airports
10 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 6 (2023)
By type: Other 6
By type: Other 6
Military expenditures
0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Beninese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Beninoises, FAB; aka Benin Defense Forces): Army, Air Force, National Navy, National Guard (aka Republican Guard)
Ministry of Interior and Public Security: Republican Police (Police Republicaine, DGPR) (2025)
Note: FAB is under the Ministry of Defense and is responsible for external security and supporting the DGPR in maintaining internal security, which has primary responsibility for enforcing law and maintaining order; the DGPR was formed in 2018 through a merger of police and gendarmes
Ministry of Interior and Public Security: Republican Police (Police Republicaine, DGPR) (2025)
Note: FAB is under the Ministry of Defense and is responsible for external security and supporting the DGPR in maintaining internal security, which has primary responsibility for enforcing law and maintaining order; the DGPR was formed in 2018 through a merger of police and gendarmes
Military - note
the Beninese Armed Forces (FAB) are responsible for defense against external aggression and may be required to assist in maintaining public order and internal security under conditions defined by the country's president; it may also participate in economic development projects
A key focus for the security forces of Benin is countering infiltrations into the country by terrorist groups tied to al-Qa'ida and the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) operating just over the border from northern Benin in Burkina Faso and Niger; in 2022, the Benin Government said it was "at war" after suffering a series of attacks from these groups; later that same year, President TALON pledged to increase the size of the military, modernize military equipment, and establish forward operating bases; the military since 2022 has also deployed thousands of additional troops to the north of the country to better secure the border region; in addition, the FAB participates in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa in the general area of the Lake Chad Basin and along Nigeria's northeastern border (2025)
A key focus for the security forces of Benin is countering infiltrations into the country by terrorist groups tied to al-Qa'ida and the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) operating just over the border from northern Benin in Burkina Faso and Niger; in 2022, the Benin Government said it was "at war" after suffering a series of attacks from these groups; later that same year, President TALON pledged to increase the size of the military, modernize military equipment, and establish forward operating bases; the military since 2022 has also deployed thousands of additional troops to the north of the country to better secure the border region; in addition, the FAB participates in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa in the general area of the Lake Chad Basin and along Nigeria's northeastern border (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for voluntary and selective compulsory military service for men and women; compulsory service is 18 months (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 10-12,000 active duty Armed Forces (including National Guard) (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military is equipped with a mix of older, secondhand, and limited amounts of newer equipment from a variety of suppliers, including China, France, Germany, South Africa, the former Soviet Union, Spain, and the US (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 23,225 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 12,501 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 12,501 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Jama’at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM); Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS); Boko Haram
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Ports
Total ports: 1 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 1
Small: 0
Very small: 0
Ports with oil terminals: 1
Key ports: Cotonou
Large: 0
Medium: 1
Small: 0
Very small: 0
Ports with oil terminals: 1
Key ports: Cotonou
Methane emissions
Energy: 63.4 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Agriculture: 106.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 34.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 43.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Agriculture: 106.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 34.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 43.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
34.4 (2021 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality