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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Google News
In pics: parade marking 65th anniversary of Benin's independence - XinhuaIn pics: parade marking 65th anniversary of Benin's independence  Xinhua

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

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

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

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

Ciara's Historic Moment in Benin; Awarded Citizenship 200 Years After Her Bloodline Was Taken - The Times of IndiaCiara's Historic Moment in Benin; Awarded Citizenship 200 Years After Her Bloodline Was Taken  The Times of India

Benin travel - Lonely PlanetBenin travel  Lonely Planet

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

Journalist Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè forcibly extradited to Benin - Committee to Protect JournalistsJournalist Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè forcibly extradited to Benin  Committee to Protect Journalists

NATOP and Benin Strengthen Collaboration to Boost African Tourism: A Unified Push for Growth and Sustainability - Travel And Tour WorldNATOP and Benin Strengthen Collaboration to Boost African Tourism: A Unified Push for Growth and Sustainability  Travel And Tour World

HH The Deputy Amir Congratulates President of Benin - ??????? ???????HH The Deputy Amir Congratulates President of Benin  ??????? ???????

Deutsche Bank provides 507 million euro loan to the Republic of Benin - ?????(??)Deutsche Bank provides 507 million euro loan to the Republic of Benin  ?????(??)

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

Benin National Day 1 August - Mirage NewsBenin National Day 1 August  Mirage News

How Nollywood brings Benin mythology to life in ‘Osamede’ - Business News NigeriaHow Nollywood brings Benin mythology to life in ‘Osamede’  Business News Nigeria

Ciara gains Beninese citizenship as country reckons with slave trade history - The Washington PostCiara gains Beninese citizenship as country reckons with slave trade history  The Washington Post

Benin group rejects Sultan, Ooni’s headship of proposed National traditional Rulers council - Vanguard NewsBenin group rejects Sultan, Ooni’s headship of proposed National traditional Rulers council  Vanguard News

HH The Amir Congratulates President of Benin - ??????? ???????HH The Amir Congratulates President of Benin  ??????? ???????

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

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

UAE leaders congratulate Presidents of Benin, Switzerland on National Days - MSNUAE leaders congratulate Presidents of Benin, Switzerland on National Days  MSN

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

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

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

Benin Grants Ciara Citizenship in Move to Reconnect with Black Diaspora - Africa.comBenin Grants Ciara Citizenship in Move to Reconnect with Black Diaspora  Africa.com

Benin group rejects bill naming Ooni, Sultan as permanent heads of traditional rulers’ council - thestreetjournal.orgBenin group rejects bill naming Ooni, Sultan as permanent heads of traditional rulers’ council  thestreetjournal.org

New Benin law offers citizenship to descendants of African slaves - France 24New Benin law offers citizenship to descendants of African slaves  France 24

Ciara's Historic Moment in Benin; Awarded Citizenship 200 Years After Her Bloodline Was Taken - MSNCiara's Historic Moment in Benin; Awarded Citizenship 200 Years After Her Bloodline Was Taken  MSN

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

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

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

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

‘Misleading’- PDP faults Okpebholo’s claim on Benin-Asaba road project - Vanguard News‘Misleading’- PDP faults Okpebholo’s claim on Benin-Asaba road project  Vanguard News

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

EFCC Arrests 47 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City - Economic and Financial Crimes Commission - EFCCEFCC Arrests 47 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission - EFCC

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

HM King congratulates President of Benin - ????? ????? ???????HM King congratulates President of Benin  ????? ????? ???????

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

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

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

A call for truth in the time of misinformation: Catholic Archdiocese of Benin - Business News NigeriaA call for truth in the time of misinformation: Catholic Archdiocese of Benin  Business News Nigeria

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

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

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

Spike Lee, Benin's star ambassador to attract the Afro-descendant diaspora - Le Monde.frSpike Lee, Benin's star ambassador to attract the Afro-descendant diaspora  Le Monde.fr

Kuwait Amir congratulates Benin on Nat'l Day - diwan - 01/08/2025 - kuna.net.kwKuwait Amir congratulates Benin on Nat'l Day - diwan - 01/08/2025  kuna.net.kw

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

Kuwait Crown Prince congratulates Benin on Nat'l Day - diwan - 01/08/2025 - kuna.net.kwKuwait Crown Prince congratulates Benin on Nat'l Day - diwan - 01/08/2025  kuna.net.kw

Kuwait PM congratulates Benin on Nat'l Day - diwan - 01/08/2025 - kuna.net.kwKuwait PM congratulates Benin on Nat'l Day - diwan - 01/08/2025  kuna.net.kw

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

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

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

Benin Releases First National Cybersecurity Report Highlighting Rising Threats - TechAfrica NewsBenin Releases First National Cybersecurity Report Highlighting Rising Threats  TechAfrica News

Benin group seeks rotational chairmanship in proposed traditional rulers council - Punch NewspapersBenin group seeks rotational chairmanship in proposed traditional rulers council  Punch Newspapers

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

Benin - General DebateBenin  General Debate

Ciara granted Benin citizenship under new law for descendants of enslaved Africans - The Express TribuneCiara granted Benin citizenship under new law for descendants of enslaved Africans  The Express Tribune

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

The Netherlands returns 119 stolen sculptures to Nigeria - Al JazeeraThe Netherlands returns 119 stolen sculptures to Nigeria  Al Jazeera

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

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

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 Grants Citizenship to African Diaspora Descendants, Including US Singer Ciara - DNE AfricaBenin Grants Citizenship to African Diaspora Descendants, Including US Singer Ciara  DNE Africa

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

Clara Benin Marks 10 Years of Music With Live Orchestra Concert of Early Works - Rolling Stone PhilippinesClara Benin Marks 10 Years of Music With Live Orchestra Concert of Early Works  Rolling Stone Philippines

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

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

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

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

United Arab Emirates (UAE) leaders congratulate Presidents of Benin, Switzerland on National Days - ZAWYAUnited Arab Emirates (UAE) leaders congratulate Presidents of Benin, Switzerland on National Days  ZAWYA

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

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

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

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: 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

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

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

Tips for serving in Benin from 6 Peace Corps Volunteers - Peace Corps (.gov)Tips for serving in Benin from 6 Peace Corps Volunteers  Peace Corps (.gov)

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

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

Benin Strong Wind 2025 DREF Operation (MDRBJ021) - ReliefWebBenin Strong Wind 2025 DREF Operation (MDRBJ021)  ReliefWeb

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

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

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

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

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

The Benin Model: China’s Africa Strategy in Action - Geopolitical MonitorThe Benin Model: China’s Africa Strategy in Action  Geopolitical Monitor

Ciara granted citizenship by Benin - MSNCiara granted citizenship by Benin  MSN

Edo PDP blasts Okpebholo for claiming initiation of Benin-Asaba road project - Daily Post NigeriaEdo PDP blasts Okpebholo for claiming initiation of Benin-Asaba road project  Daily Post Nigeria

U.S singer Ciara gets Benin citizenship under new slave descendent law - MSNU.S singer Ciara gets Benin citizenship under new slave descendent law  MSN

Grammy Winner Ciara Accepts Offer for Benin Citizenship, a New Way to Reckon with its Slave Trade - Good News NetworkGrammy Winner Ciara Accepts Offer for Benin Citizenship, a New Way to Reckon with its Slave Trade  Good News Network

Benin grants Ciara citizenship as it reckons with slave trade role - The TimesBenin grants Ciara citizenship as it reckons with slave trade role  The Times

Webinar | Emerging frontlines: How Jihadist expansion is reshaping Benin, Niger, and Nigeria - ACLEDWebinar | Emerging frontlines: How Jihadist expansion is reshaping Benin, Niger, and Nigeria  ACLED

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

Benin group rejects proposed leadership structure in traditional rulers council bill - The Guardian Nigeria NewsBenin group rejects proposed leadership structure in traditional rulers council bill  The Guardian Nigeria News

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

Benin - IFADBenin  IFAD

Benin receives military plane from European Union - TRT GlobalBenin receives military plane from European Union  TRT Global

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