Benin

Fellowship, Justice, Labour

 

General

Population: 8,791,832 (2009)
Land Area: 112,620 sq km
Natural Resources: Offshore oil, limestone, marble, timber
Capital: Porto-Novo
Political System: Republic
State Leader: Thomas Yayi Boni (2006)
Languages: French, Fon, Yoruba, Tribal languages
Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine Franc (XOF)
Major Religions: Christian 42,8%, Muslim 24,4%, Vodoun 17,3%, Other 15,5%
Major Ethnicities: Fon 39,2%, Adja 15,2%, Yoruba 12,3%, Bariba 9,2%, Peulh 7%, Ottamari 6,1%, Yoa-Lopka 4%, Dendi 2,5%, Other 1,6%, Unspecified 2,9%
Life Expectancy: 59 years (2009)

Economy

GDP: 6,476 billion (2009)
GDP Per Capita: 1,500 (2009)
GDP Growth Rate: 2,5% (2009)
GDP Structure: Agriculture 33,2%, Industry 14,5%, Services 52,3% (2007)
Labour Force By Occupation: NA
Industries: Textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement
Agriculture Products: Cotton, corn, cassava, yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, cashews; livestocks
Tourism Revenue: 60 million (2002)
Unemployment Rate: NA

Military

Army Size: 4 550 (2004)
Budget: 1,7% of GDP (2006)

Current Situation

 

Benin is located in western Africa, it is bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger. The economy is largelly underdeveloped, and consists of subsistance farming. The growth rate is steady however and Benin is trying to develop its tourist industry.

Photo Gallery

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Sources

CIA World Factbook: Benin
Wikipedia: Benin