Benin
Country in Africa
In brief
Population: 14.8M (2025). World rank 75 of 216; in Africa, 28 of 54. Area: 112,622 km². World rank 103 of 249; in Africa, 39 of 59. Life expectancy: 61 years (2024). World rank 208 of 216 (1 = best); in Africa, 46 of 54. From 2015 to 2025: population 11.4M → 14.8M, GDP $11.4B → $24.6B, and GDP per person $1,002 → $1,658. Better than all its neighbours (Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo): GDP per person.
State
- Official name
- Republic of Benin
- Local name
- Bénin
- Capital
- Porto-Novo
- Region
- Africa
- Form of government
- Presidential republic
- UN member
- Yes
Key figures
Practical information
- Languages
- French
- Currency
- West African CFA Franc (XOF)
- Time zones
- UTC+1
- Calling code
- +229
- Emergency numbers
- 112, 117, 118
- Driving side
- Right
- Plug types
- C, E
- Mains voltage
- 220 V