Capital: Porto-Novo
Population
Total Population:
14,462,724
Natural Increase:
2.5%
Density:
122 Inhabitants/km²
Urban Population:
50.7%
Ethnic Origins:
98.1% of the population is made up of Beninese nationals, including several ethnic groups such as the Adja, Yoruba, Bariba, Peulh, Ottamari, Yoa-Lokpa, Dendi or European. The remaining 1.9% are foreigners, mainly from African countries (including Niger, Togo, Nigeria and Burkina Faso). (
National Institute of Statistics and Economic Analysis of Benin)
Official Language:
French
Other Languages Spoken:
A total of 55 languages are spoken in Benin, of which 50 are indigenous. Fon and Yoruba are spoken in South of Benin, with six major tribal languages being spoken in the North (including Bariba and Fulfulde).
Business Language(s):
French and English
Religion:
Muslim 27.7%, Roman Catholic 25.5%, Protestant 13.5%, Vodoun 11.6%, other Christian 9.5%, other traditional religions 2.6%, other 2.6%, none 5.8%
Literacy Rate:
34.7%
Local Time:
It is %T:%M %A In Porto Novo
Exchange Rate on
:
National Currency: CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF)
Country Overview
Area:
114,760 km²
Type of State:
Benin is a presidential republic.
Type of Economy:
Lower-middle-income, agricultural and manufacturing economy..
Economic growth remains robust, supported by structural reforms, major infrastructure projects and good export performance, although dependence on trade with Nigeria remains a major risk.
HDI*:
0.515/1
HDI (World Rank):
174/192
Note: (*) The HDI, Human Development Index, measures a country's development in terms of quality of life. It mainly takes into account life expectancy, level of education and GDP per capita.
Telecommunication
Telephone Code:
To call from Benin, dial 00
To call Benin, dial +229
Internet Suffix:
.bj
Households with a computer:
4.7 per 100 Inhabitants
Telephone Lines:
1.7 per 100 Inhabitants
Internet Users:
32.2 per 100 Inhabitants
Access to Electricity:
57% of the Population
© eexpand, All Rights Reserved.
Latest Update: October 2025
Benin: Statistical Overview
