Benin

Country in Africa

In brief

GDP growth per year: +8.1% (2025). World rank 11 of 209 (1 = best); in Africa, 5 of 52. Youth unemployment, ages 15–24: 2.9% (2025). World rank 11 of 186 (1 = best); in Africa, 7 of 53. Women in work or seeking work: 75.2% (2025). World rank 10 of 186; in Africa, 7 of 53. From 2015 to 2025: GDP $11.4B → $24.6B, GDP per person $1,002 → $1,658, and GDP per person at purchasing power parity $2,725 → $4,817. Better than all its neighbours (Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo): GDP per person, gross national income per person, GDP growth per year, and living on under $3 a day.

Size and growth

GDP: $24.6B 2025
GDP per person: $1,658 2025
GDP per person at purchasing power parity: $4,817 2025
GDP growth per year: +8.1% 2025

Income and prices

Income level (World Bank): Lower-middle income
Gross national income per person: $1,600 2025
Inflation: +1.1% 2025
Price level, USA = 100: 34 2025

Structure and jobs

Agriculture, share of GDP: 22.9% 2025
Industry, share of GDP: 17.5% 2025
Services, share of GDP: 50.1% 2025
Unemployment: 1.6% 2025
Youth unemployment, ages 15–24: 2.9% 2025
Women in work or seeking work: 75.2% 2025

Trade and finance

Exports, share of GDP: 17.1% 2025
Imports, share of GDP: 20.1% 2025
Current account balance, share of GDP: -8.2% 2023
Foreign direct investment, share of GDP: +2% 2025
Remittances received, share of GDP: 1.7% 2023
Tax revenue, share of GDP: 10.8% 1979
Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)

Poverty and inequality

Gini index (0 = full equality): 34.4 2021
Living on under $3 a day: 27.2% 2021