Country Guide • Benin
Benin is situated in West Africa and is bounded to the east by Nigeria, to the north by Niger and Burkina Faso, and to the west by Togo.
| Official Name | Republic of Benin |
|---|---|
| Area | 112,620km² (43,483mile²) |
| Population | 7,041,000 |
| Continent | Africa |
| Population per mile² | 162 |
| Capital City | Porto Novo |
| Religions | Indigenous Beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Islam 20% |
| Language | French (official), Fon, Yoruba and almost fifty other tribal languages |
| Government | Democratic Republic |
| Currency | Cfa Franc |
| GDP | $7.3 billion |
| GDP per Head | $1,070 |
| Natural Resources | Small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble and timber |
| Land Use | Arable Land 15% |
| Agriculture | Cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), livestock, yams, beans, palm oil, and peanuts |
| Industry | Textiles, cotton, cigarettes, beverages, construction materials, petroleum, palm products |
| Tourism | The best time to visit is December-April. Abomey contains an excellent museum covering the history of the Abomey kingdoms (with a throne made of human skulls) and the intriguingly named Fetish Temple. Cotonou has a market, the Dan Tokpa, which is normally open every four days. Porto Novo, the capital, contains many examples of colonial and pre-colonial art and architecture |
| Natural Hazards | Hot, dry and dusty harmattan winds may cause damage affecting the North of the country from December to March |
| Health Risks | Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for entry. Malaria is a serious risk. All water should be boiled or chemically treated, with boiling. This is also recommended for milk, which is not pasteurised. Avoid all other dairy products and ensure meat and fish are well cooked. Meningitis is prevalent too |
| Climate | The south has an equatorial climate with four seasons. It is hot and dry from January to April and during August, with rainy seasons through May to July and September to December. The north has more extreme temperatures, hot and dry between November and June, cooler and very wet between July and October. Average annual temperature ranges in Cotonou are from 23°C in August to 28°C in May |
| Time | GMT/UTC+1 hours |
| National Days | August 1 |
| Visas | 15 and 30-day visas are available. Many west and central African nationals don't require a visa |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
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