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Last update: January, 19 2021

Benin

Flag of benin
Government
NameRepublic of Benin
FrenchRépublique du Bénin 
Government typePresidential republic
CapitalPorto-Novo (264,320 (2013))
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
People
Population (2020)12,123,198 (78th)
Density of population94.8 P/km2 (120th)
NationalityBeninese
Official languages
French
Ethnic groups (2013)
Fon and related38.4%
Adja and related15.1%
Yoruba and related12%
Bariba and related9.6%
Fulani and related8.6%
Ottamari and related6.1%
Yoa-Lokpa and related4.3%
Dendi and related2.9%
Other0.9%
Foreigner1.9%
Religions (2013)
Muslim27.7%
Roman Catholic25.5%
Protestant13.5%
Celestial6.7%
Methodist3.4%
Other Protestant3.4%
Vodoun11.6%
Other Christian9.5%
Other traditional religions2.6%
Other2.6%
None5.8%
Life expectancy (2020)
Male59.6 years
Female63.3 years
Total population61.4 years (212nd)
Homicides
Total (2017)1.1 per 100,000 people (138th)
Geography
Land area110,622 km2
water area2,000 km2
total area112,622 km2 (103rd)
Mean elevation273 m
Lowest point
Atlantic Ocean0 m
Highest point
Mont Sokbaro658 m
Land use (2011)
Agricultural land31.3%
Arable land22.9%
Permanent crops3.5%
Permanent pasture4.9%
Forest40%
Other28.7%
Urbanization
Urban population (2020)48.4%
Rate of urbanization3.89% annual rate of change (2015 – 2020)
Economy
Labor force (2007)3,662 million  (98th)
Unemployment rate (2014)1% (7th)
GDP (PPP) (estimate 2019)
Total$29.918 billion (137th)
Per capita$2,552 (163rd)
GDP (nominal) (estimate 2019)
Total$11.386 billion (141st)
Per capita$971 (163rd)
GDP by sector (estimate 2017)
Agriculture26.1%
Industry22.8%
Services51.1%
Exports (2017)$1.974 billion (140th)
Exports partners (2017)
Bangladesh18.1%
India10.7%
Ukraine9%
Niger8.1%
China7.7%
Nigeria7.2%
Turkey4%
Imports (2017)$2.787 billion (151st)
Imports partners (2017)
Thailand18.1%
India15.9%
France8.5%
China7.5%
Togo5.9%
Netherlands4.3%
Belgium4.3%

Benin on the world map

Benin on the world map

Benin top 10 largest cities (2013)

  1. Cotonou (679,012)
  2. Porto-Novo (264,320)
  3. Parakou (255,478)
  4. Godomey (253,262)
  5. Abomey-Calavi (117,824)
  6. Djougou (94,773)
  7. Bohicon (93,744)
  8. Ekpè (75,313)
  9. Abomey (67,885)
  10. Nikki (66,109)

Demography

Population pyramid

population pyramid of Benin

Age structure data

Estimate for 2020:

  • 0-14 years: 45.56% (male 2,955,396/female 2,906,079)
  • 15-24 years: 20.36% (male 1,300,453/female 1,318,880)
  • 25-54 years: 28.54% (male 1,735,229/female 1,935,839)
  • 55-64 years: 3.15% (male 193,548/female 211,427)
  • 65 years and over: 2.39% (male 140,513/female 167,270)

Remark: the age structure of a population affects a nation’s key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest.

Population from 1950 to 2020

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Source: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Prospects 2019, Online Edition. Rev. 1.


Evolution of the life expectancy from 1960 to 2018

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Source: World Development Indicators, The World Bank

Major rivers

Economy

Agriculture:

cotton, corn, cassava (manioc, tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, cashews, livestock

Industries:

textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement

Exports – commodities:

cotton, cashews, shea butter, textiles, palm products, seafood

Imports – commodities:

foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products

Time zone and current time in Benin

Go to our interactive map to get the current time in Benin

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