Country Reports
Benin
Some Facts Benin | 
Useful links Some Facts Benin
|
Country name |
The Republic of Benin |
|
Government type |
Republic |
|
Capital |
Porto-Novo |
|
Administrative divisions |
12 departments: Alibori, Atakora, Atlanque, Borgou, Collines, Koutto, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Queme, Plateu, Zou |
|
Independence Day |
1 August 1960 (from France) |
|
National holiday |
1 August (1960) |
|
Area |
112,622 sq km (43,484 sq miles) |
|
Location |
Western Africa, between Nigeria and Togo, bordering the Bight of Bening |
|
Land Borders |
Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Togo |
|
Coastline |
121 km |
|
Population |
9,2 million (UN, 2010) |
|
Nationality |
Beninese (singularis and pluralis) |
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Major languages |
French (official), Fon, Ge, Bariba, Yoruba, Dendi |
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Ethnicity |
Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba, Peulh, Ottamari, Voa-Lopka, Dendi, European |
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Major religions |
Indigenous beliefs, Christianity, Islam |
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Highest peak |
Mont Sokbaro 658 m |
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Climate |
Tropical, hot, in the south humid, in the north semiarid |
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Time zone |
UTC/GMT + 1 hour |
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Currency |
1 CFA (Communaute Finaciere Africaine) franc = 100 centimes |
|
Telephone |
+229 |
|
Internet domain |
.bj |
|
GNI per capita |
US$ 1,620 (World Bank, 2011) |
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Natural resources |
Small offshore oil deposits, marble, limestone, timber |
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Agriculture products |
Cotton, cassava, corn, yams, bens, palm oil, peanuts, cashews, livestock |
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Industries |
Construction materials, cement, textiles, food processing |
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Major exports |
Cotton, palm oil |