Benin: Statistical Overview

Total Population: 13,352,864

Natural Increase: 2.7%

Density: 115 Inhabitants/km²

Urban Population: 49.5%

Ethnic Origins: 98.1% of the population is made up of Beninese nationals, including several ethnic groups such as the Adja, Yoruba, Bariba, Peulh, Ottamari, Yoa-Lokpa, Dendi or European. The remaining 1.9% are foreigners, mainly from African countries (including Niger, Togo, Nigeria and Burkina Faso). (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Analysis of Benin)

Official Language: French

Other Languages Spoken: A total of 55 languages are spoken in Benin, of which 50 are indigenous. Fon and Yoruba are spoken in South of Benin, with six major tribal languages being spoken in the North (including Bariba and Fulfulde).

Business Language(s): French and English

Religion: Christians 42.8%, Muslims 24.4%, Vodoun 17.3%, Other 15.5%.

Literacy Rate: 34.7%

Area: 114,760 km²

Type of State: Benin is a presidential republic.

Type of Economy: Low-income economy.
Much corruption and few natural resources.

HDI*: 0.480/1

HDI (World Rank): 166/188

Telephone Code:
To call from Benin, dial 00
To call Benin, dial +229

Internet Suffix: .bj

Telephone Lines: 1.7 per 100 Inhabitants

Internet Users: 3.8 per 100 Inhabitants

Access to Electricity: 38.4% of the Population