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The Republic of Benin is situated in Western Africa, it was known as Dahomey until 1975. It has short coastline towards the south that leads to the Bight of Benin. The bordering countries are Togo that lies in the west, Nigeria towards the east and Burkina Faso and Niger towards the north. Major chunk of population lives in the southern coastal plains, where Benin's largest cities are also located, including the Porto Novo and Cotonou. The north of the country consists mostly of semi-arid highlands and savanna. In the middle of Benin flowing towards the south is the river Oueme.
The climate is generally Hot and humid and little rain in comparison to the West African countries. There are two rainy season from April-July and September-November. The nights are cold during winters due to the dust winds of the Harmattan. The largest and the commercial capital of Benin is Cotonou.
The total land area is about1, 989 km and the coastline stretches upto 121 km. It claims a territorial sea extending to 200 NM. The geographical terrain is mostly flat to undulating plain and some hills and low mountains. The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean and the highest point is the Mont Sokbaro at 658 m. The chief natural resources found are small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber.
The total irrigated land covers upto 120 sq. km |
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| People |
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The total population of Benin is about 8,294,941. Beinin consists of dozens of ethnolinguistic groups, which represents three of Africa's language families; the Niger-Congo, Nilo-Saharan, and Afroasiatic. The chief ethnic groups are Fon and related comprising upto 39.2% of the population, Adja and related upto 15.2%, Yoruba and related comprises 12.3%, Bariba and related 9.2%, Peulh and related 7%, Ottamari and related 6.1%, Yoa-Lokpa and related 4%, Dendi and related 2.5%, other 1.6% which include Europeans and unspecified ethnic groups2.9%.
The chief religious groups are Christian 42.8% majorly Catholic comprising 27.1%, Celestial 5%, Methodist 3.2%, other Protestant 2.2%, other Christians 5.3%, Muslim are upto 24.4% of the population, Vodoun 17.3% and other 15.5%.
French is the official language of Benin, Fon and Yoruba are the most common vernaculars in south and the tribal languages. There are at least six major tribal languages in north.
According to the popular belief Voodoo also known as the Vodum was originated in Benin and thereafter taken to the Caribbean islands and parts of Northern America by slaves. This indigenous religion is followed by almost 60% of the population. |
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| Government |
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The government of Benin follows a republic framework, wherein the president is both the head of the government and the chief of the state. He is elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The president appoints the council of ministers. Benin is administratively divided into 12 departments Alibori, Atlantique, Atakora, Borgou, Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau and Zou.
Independence day: 1 August 1960
Capital: Porto-Novo, official capital
President: Thomas Yayi Boni
Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF). Responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States |
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| Economy |
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Benin has an underdeveloped economy and is highly dependent on the subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. To make improvement in the in this front Benin plans to attract more foreign investment, give more importance to tourism, facilitate the development of new food processing systems and agricultural products, and encourage new information and communication technology. An insufficient supply of electricity continues to adversely affect Benin's economic growth though the government recently has taken steps to increase domestic power production.
37.4% of the population is still under poverty line. The chief agricultural products are cotton, corn, cassava i.e. tapioca, yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, cashews and livestock. And the chief industries are textiles, food processing, construction materials and cement |
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