Benin

Country Benin
Capital Porto-Novo
Continent Africa
Currency West African CFA franc(XOF)
Languages French, Fon & Yoruba

Information

Introduction

Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were alleged. KEREKOU stepped down at the end of his second term in 2006 and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and independent. YAYI has begun a high profile fight against corruption and has strongly promoted accelerating Benin's economic growth.

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References

Benin - Wikipedia
Benin - CIA World Fact Book
Benin - BBC
Benin - Timeline - BBC

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Russell Wilson's wife Ciara becomes first descendants of enslaved Africans to receive Benin citizenship u - The Times of IndiaRussell Wilson's wife Ciara becomes first descendants of enslaved Africans to receive Benin citizenship u  The Times of India

Canada Immigration Success Story: Couple from Benin Save Storied Poutinerie in Rural Quebec - immigration.caCanada Immigration Success Story: Couple from Benin Save Storied Poutinerie in Rural Quebec  immigration.ca

Benin bus accident death toll climbs to 37 - TRT GlobalBenin bus accident death toll climbs to 37  TRT Global

Armed men on motorbikes keep conflict in motion in the Sahel - Al JazeeraArmed men on motorbikes keep conflict in motion in the Sahel  Al Jazeera

2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Benin - U.S. Department of State (.gov)2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Benin  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

Benin travel - Lonely PlanetBenin travel  Lonely Planet

US Grammy winner Ciara becomes citizen of Benin under new slavery-descendants law - BBCUS Grammy winner Ciara becomes citizen of Benin under new slavery-descendants law  BBC

Courtesy Call on Prime Minister ISHIBA by Vice President CHABI TALATA of Benin - mofa.go.jpCourtesy Call on Prime Minister ISHIBA by Vice President CHABI TALATA of Benin  mofa.go.jp

Agroecological market gardening: Benin’s climate-resilient farming solution - MongabayAgroecological market gardening: Benin’s climate-resilient farming solution  Mongabay

1 dead, 44 missing as bus plunges into river in Benin - news.cgtn.com1 dead, 44 missing as bus plunges into river in Benin  news.cgtn.com

Benin Economic outlook 2025: Raising domestic revenue mobilization while protecting the poor - World BankBenin Economic outlook 2025: Raising domestic revenue mobilization while protecting the poor  World Bank

Benin: An African Pioneer - International Monetary FundBenin: An African Pioneer  International Monetary Fund

Deutsche Bank provides 507 million euro loan to the Republic of Benin - country.db.comDeutsche Bank provides 507 million euro loan to the Republic of Benin  country.db.com

Prevalence and determinants of neonatal infections in Benin based on a retrospective study in six reference hospitals - NaturePrevalence and determinants of neonatal infections in Benin based on a retrospective study in six reference hospitals  Nature

Benin mourns footballer Razak Omotoyossi - africanews.comBenin mourns footballer Razak Omotoyossi  africanews.com

Cheetahs of Benin: Legendary Razack Omotoyossi has passed away - Foot AfricaCheetahs of Benin: Legendary Razack Omotoyossi has passed away  Foot Africa

Benin - Decolonization, Independence, Revolution - BritannicaBenin - Decolonization, Independence, Revolution  Britannica

Bus plunges off bridge in Benin, killing at least 27 people - TRT GlobalBus plunges off bridge in Benin, killing at least 27 people  TRT Global

Benin: How stormwater drainage helps residents in vulnerable Cotonou neighborhoods - World BankBenin: How stormwater drainage helps residents in vulnerable Cotonou neighborhoods  World Bank

A World Bank Guarantee Helps Benin Create Space for Development Spending - World Bank BlogsA World Bank Guarantee Helps Benin Create Space for Development Spending  World Bank Blogs

In a Benin village, the Fathers’ Club is redefining family roles for the sake of child health - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceIn a Benin village, the Fathers’ Club is redefining family roles for the sake of child health  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Promoting equal opportunities and women's empowerment through childcare in Benin - World Bank BlogsPromoting equal opportunities and women's empowerment through childcare in Benin  World Bank Blogs

Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group claims deadly Benin attack - The Times of IndiaAl-Qaeda-linked jihadist group claims deadly Benin attack  The Times of India

Digital 2025: Benin - DataReportal – Global Digital InsightsDigital 2025: Benin  DataReportal – Global Digital Insights

From bilharzia to trust: how a Benin community is conquering healthcare hesitancy - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceFrom bilharzia to trust: how a Benin community is conquering healthcare hesitancy  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Benin Armed Forces complete training as part of EU Initiative for the Gulf of Guinea - EEASBenin Armed Forces complete training as part of EU Initiative for the Gulf of Guinea  EEAS

Community health workers on the frontline against disease in Benin - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceCommunity health workers on the frontline against disease in Benin  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

UNESCO supports the sustainable management of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex: Benin national consultation - UNESCO World Heritage CentreUNESCO supports the sustainable management of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex: Benin national consultation  UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Rainfall and streamflow variability in North Benin, West Africa, and its multiscale association with climate teleconnections - ScienceDirect.comRainfall and streamflow variability in North Benin, West Africa, and its multiscale association with climate teleconnections  ScienceDirect.com

Nigeria, Benin sign deal to boost cross-border cooperation - The Guardian Nigeria NewsNigeria, Benin sign deal to boost cross-border cooperation  The Guardian Nigeria News

Akrake seeks resumption of drilling on Sèmè oilfield offshore Benin - Offshore MagazineAkrake seeks resumption of drilling on Sèmè oilfield offshore Benin  Offshore Magazine

Benin admits that 54 soldiers killed in border attack by Jnim - BBCBenin admits that 54 soldiers killed in border attack by Jnim  BBC

Mariam Posset: Art is Powerful Medium for Storytelling, Cultural Expression - thisdayliveMariam Posset: Art is Powerful Medium for Storytelling, Cultural Expression  thisdaylive

One Dead, Dozens Missing as Bus Plunges into River in Benin - Medafrica TimesOne Dead, Dozens Missing as Bus Plunges into River in Benin  Medafrica Times

Benin attack: Army suffers heavy losses in Niger - Burkina Faso border raid - BBCBenin attack: Army suffers heavy losses in Niger - Burkina Faso border raid  BBC

Militant attack kills 6 Benin soldiers, army spokesperson says - VOA - Voice of America English NewsMilitant attack kills 6 Benin soldiers, army spokesperson says  VOA - Voice of America English News

Nigeria, Benin sign MoU to strengthen grassroots border cooperation - Punch NewspapersNigeria, Benin sign MoU to strengthen grassroots border cooperation  Punch Newspapers

Benin Bolsters Defense With U.S. Partnership - Africa Defense ForumBenin Bolsters Defense With U.S. Partnership  Africa Defense Forum

Spike Lee and wife Tonya named as Benin ambassadors for African-Americans in the US - BBCSpike Lee and wife Tonya named as Benin ambassadors for African-Americans in the US  BBC

Giving birth without dying in Benin - MSFGiving birth without dying in Benin  MSF

10 gunmen, 1 soldier killed in northern Benin attack - VOA - Voice of America English News10 gunmen, 1 soldier killed in northern Benin attack  VOA - Voice of America English News

54 soldiers killed in suspected Jihadist attack in Benin - France 2454 soldiers killed in suspected Jihadist attack in Benin  France 24

MSC Benin docks at Malta Freeport - Container NewsMSC Benin docks at Malta Freeport  Container News

Benin - Trade, Agriculture, Oil - BritannicaBenin - Trade, Agriculture, Oil  Britannica

Nigeria, Benin Republic sign MoU on cross-border cooperation - Vanguard NewsNigeria, Benin Republic sign MoU on cross-border cooperation  Vanguard News

Benin Population Movement 2025 - DREF Operation (MDRBJ022) - ReliefWebBenin Population Movement 2025 - DREF Operation (MDRBJ022)  ReliefWeb

UAE Fuels Regionalization of Sudan War; JNIM Expands Along Benin-Nigeria Border: Africa File, June 18, 2025 - Institute for the Study of WarUAE Fuels Regionalization of Sudan War; JNIM Expands Along Benin-Nigeria Border: Africa File, June 18, 2025  Institute for the Study of War

GIEWS Country Brief: The Republic of Benin 27-May-2025 - ReliefWebGIEWS Country Brief: The Republic of Benin 27-May-2025  ReliefWeb

Nigeria, Benin republic sign memorandum of understanding to strengthen cross border cooperation - thestreetjournal.orgNigeria, Benin republic sign memorandum of understanding to strengthen cross border cooperation  thestreetjournal.org

African Parks earns over $7 million from carbon credit sales in Benin and CAR - MongabayAfrican Parks earns over $7 million from carbon credit sales in Benin and CAR  Mongabay

Fresh Pineapple Agronomy in the Republic of Benin: Recent Trends in Calcium Carbide Use and Producer Perceptions - Wiley Online LibraryFresh Pineapple Agronomy in the Republic of Benin: Recent Trends in Calcium Carbide Use and Producer Perceptions  Wiley Online Library

Benin: Strong growth trajectory is here to stay despite headwinds - CredendoBenin: Strong growth trajectory is here to stay despite headwinds  Credendo

How an RFI investigation helped return an ancient treasure to Benin - RFIHow an RFI investigation helped return an ancient treasure to Benin  RFI

The people of Benin intensify anti-French protests in the wake of a terror attack - Peoples DispatchThe people of Benin intensify anti-French protests in the wake of a terror attack  Peoples Dispatch

Institute for the Study of War - Institute for the Study of WarInstitute for the Study of War  Institute for the Study of War

Nigeria, Benin Republic sign MoU on cross-border cooperation - Peoples Gazette NigeriaNigeria, Benin Republic sign MoU on cross-border cooperation  Peoples Gazette Nigeria

Cheetahs of Benin: Legendary Razack Omotoyossi has passed away - OneFootballCheetahs of Benin: Legendary Razack Omotoyossi has passed away  OneFootball

Ciara is among the first descendants of enslaved people granted citizenship by Benin - AP NewsCiara is among the first descendants of enslaved people granted citizenship by Benin  AP News

Islamic militants kill at least 54 soldiers in Benin, government says - Euronews.comIslamic militants kill at least 54 soldiers in Benin, government says  Euronews.com

Benin reclaims 17th-century looted royal chair from Finland in restitution push - ReutersBenin reclaims 17th-century looted royal chair from Finland in restitution push  Reuters

MTN Group backs Benin Investment Forum 2025: Driving Digital and Economic Progress in West Africa - MTNMTN Group backs Benin Investment Forum 2025: Driving Digital and Economic Progress in West Africa  MTN

Benin: A win-win partnership for the inclusion of young people with little or no education - World BankBenin: A win-win partnership for the inclusion of young people with little or no education  World Bank

Restitution, wrangling and renewal in Benin - Financial TimesRestitution, wrangling and renewal in Benin  Financial Times

Improving access to healthcare for people in Benin - MSFImproving access to healthcare for people in Benin  MSF

Benin: African Development Bank invests EUR 80 million to modernize and extend the Autonomous Port of Cotonou - afdb.orgBenin: African Development Bank invests EUR 80 million to modernize and extend the Autonomous Port of Cotonou  afdb.org

Nigeria, Benin sign MoU to boost cross-border cooperation - The Guardian Nigeria NewsNigeria, Benin sign MoU to boost cross-border cooperation  The Guardian Nigeria News

New frontlines: Jihadist expansion is reshaping the Benin, Niger, and Nigeria borderlands - ACLEDNew frontlines: Jihadist expansion is reshaping the Benin, Niger, and Nigeria borderlands  ACLED

Benin Bronzes: Netherlands to return stolen Benin statues to Nigeria - BBCBenin Bronzes: Netherlands to return stolen Benin statues to Nigeria  BBC

Benin - General DebateBenin  General Debate

Benin mourns footballer Razak Omotoyossi - MSNBenin mourns footballer Razak Omotoyossi  MSN

The resurgence of Benin sound - Africa Is a CountryThe resurgence of Benin sound  Africa Is a Country

The Economic Burden of Unreliable Electricity Supply for Businesses in Benin - Clean Air Task ForceThe Economic Burden of Unreliable Electricity Supply for Businesses in Benin  Clean Air Task Force

Benin says Al Qaeda affiliate attack killed 54 soldiers last week - ReutersBenin says Al Qaeda affiliate attack killed 54 soldiers last week  Reuters

Priests in Benin encouraged to promote a Church that is self-sustaining - Vatican NewsPriests in Benin encouraged to promote a Church that is self-sustaining  Vatican News

The Netherlands to return 113 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria - The Art NewspaperThe Netherlands to return 113 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria  The Art Newspaper

Cooperation between IBAN and the Supreme Audit Institution of Benin: International cooperation in action, in pursuit of transparency and good governance - NATO - HomepageCooperation between IBAN and the Supreme Audit Institution of Benin: International cooperation in action, in pursuit of transparency and good governance  NATO - Homepage

Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria join as new EBRD recipient countries - Trade Finance GlobalBenin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria join as new EBRD recipient countries  Trade Finance Global

One dead, 44 missing in Benin after bus plunges into river – Official - Punch NewspapersOne dead, 44 missing in Benin after bus plunges into river – Official  Punch Newspapers

Armed with vaccine, families in Benin take the fight to malaria - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceArmed with vaccine, families in Benin take the fight to malaria  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Bronze Casters of Igun Street, Benin City, Nigeria - The Metropolitan Museum of ArtBronze Casters of Igun Street, Benin City, Nigeria  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pope Leo XIV Appoints Native of Benin as Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso - aciafrica.orgPope Leo XIV Appoints Native of Benin as Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso  aciafrica.org

Benin Case Study | Climate Refugees - Othering & Belonging InstituteBenin Case Study | Climate Refugees  Othering & Belonging Institute

Benin invests in rice, cashew, pineapple and garden products to strengthen its resilience - Food and Agriculture OrganizationBenin invests in rice, cashew, pineapple and garden products to strengthen its resilience  Food and Agriculture Organization

Benin: Union of Priests in West Africa denounce kidnappings and call for more security and peace - Vatican NewsBenin: Union of Priests in West Africa denounce kidnappings and call for more security and peace  Vatican News

Benin: Freedom in the World 2025 Country Report - Freedom HouseBenin: Freedom in the World 2025 Country Report  Freedom House

iRAP MCC Partnership targets safer roads in Benin - iRAP - International Road Assessment ProgrammeiRAP MCC Partnership targets safer roads in Benin  iRAP - International Road Assessment Programme

WHO's Investment Round - Benin impact story - World Health Organization (WHO)WHO's Investment Round - Benin impact story  World Health Organization (WHO)

Netherlands returns 119 looted artifacts known as Benin Bronzes to Nigeria - AP NewsNetherlands returns 119 looted artifacts known as Benin Bronzes to Nigeria  AP News

Benin: Wave of attacks on press freedom highlights urgent need to reform Digital Code - Amnesty InternationalBenin: Wave of attacks on press freedom highlights urgent need to reform Digital Code  Amnesty International

Reflections from France, Benin, and Mali on Budgeting Reform, Evidence Use, and Institutional Practice - ODI: Think changeReflections from France, Benin, and Mali on Budgeting Reform, Evidence Use, and Institutional Practice  ODI: Think change

ACAPS Briefing Note: Benin - Conflict in Alibori and Atacora (07 February 2025) - ReliefWebACAPS Briefing Note: Benin - Conflict in Alibori and Atacora (07 February 2025)  ReliefWeb

Benin army suffers heavy losses in northern attack - ReutersBenin army suffers heavy losses in northern attack  Reuters

Benin: An alliance between science and policy against climate change - CGIARBenin: An alliance between science and policy against climate change  CGIAR

Armed groups are invading Benin’s forest reserves. Why and what to do about it - The ConversationArmed groups are invading Benin’s forest reserves. Why and what to do about it  The Conversation

Benin mourns footballer Razak Omotoyossi - MSNBenin mourns footballer Razak Omotoyossi  MSN

HH The Amir Receives President of the Republic of Benin - ??????? ???????HH The Amir Receives President of the Republic of Benin  ??????? ???????

Willy Mignon: Benin's era-defining musician dies aged 39 - BBCWilly Mignon: Benin's era-defining musician dies aged 39  BBC

Fleeing Suspected Kidnapper From Auchi Caught By Youths In Benin City - itvradiong.comFleeing Suspected Kidnapper From Auchi Caught By Youths In Benin City  itvradiong.com

Benin: Population Movement DREF Operation Update (MDRBJ020) - ReliefWebBenin: Population Movement DREF Operation Update (MDRBJ020)  ReliefWeb

Benin's bid to become a cycling power - BBCBenin's bid to become a cycling power  BBC