Benin
Country in Africa
In brief
Rule of law, score 0–100: 51.1 (2025). World rank 129 of 207 (1 = best); in Africa, 15 of 54. Government effectiveness, score 0–100: 48.9 (2025). World rank 120 of 205 (1 = best); in Africa, 13 of 54. Voice and accountability, score 0–100: 51.5 (2025). World rank 123 of 205 (1 = best); in Africa, 16 of 54. From 2015 to 2025: women in parliament 7.2% → 26.6%, rule of law 51.8 → 51.1 (score 0–100), and control of corruption 38.1 → 43.8 (score 0–100). Better than all its neighbours (Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo): voice and accountability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption.
State
- Form of government
- Presidential republic
- Head of state
- Romuald Wadagni
- Head of government
- Patrice Talon
- Independence
- August 1, 1960
- UN member
- Yes
- Women in parliament
- 26.6% 2025