Benin Flag

Brief History. Benin was a center of African civilization, wealth, and strength seven hundred years ago, though its early history goes back even farther. Much of its commercial success came as a result of the slave trade, which began after Europeans arrived there in the late 15th century and continued until 1885. Under French domination until independence in 1960, the country found it hard to stabilize after the French withdrew. Over two decades of corrupt Marxist-led rule left the economy in disastrous shape and led to the ouster of the Marxist regime in 1991. In 1995, the Marxists regained power but in 1998, were again ousted.

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Country Information

Local name: Benin

Capital: Porto-Novo

Population: 7,862,944

Government: republic

Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF)

Land size: 112,620 sq km

Topography: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains

Typical foods:

Major exports: cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa

Information on the People

Official language: French

Other languages spoken: Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)

Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%

Literacy rate: 33.6%

Male/Female Ratio: 0.98 male(s) to every 1 female

Life expectancy: 53.04 years

Ethnic groups: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500

Internet users: 100,000

Famous people:

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