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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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

Multi-hazard Surveillance Tool for West African Coastal Countries: Bénin - Côte d’Ivoire - Ghana - Togo (GRANIT) (as of 31 January 2025) - ReliefWebMulti-hazard Surveillance Tool for West African Coastal Countries: Bénin - Côte d’Ivoire - Ghana - Togo (GRANIT) (as of 31 January 2025)  ReliefWeb

Church planters seek to reach the unreached in Benin - Mission Network NewsChurch planters seek to reach the unreached in Benin  Mission Network News

New frontlines: Jihadist expansion is reshaping the Benin, Niger, and Nigeria borderlands - ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data)New frontlines: Jihadist expansion is reshaping the Benin, Niger, and Nigeria borderlands  ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data)

Spotlight Benin Patrice Talon weighs up soldiering on with army reforms - Africa IntelligenceSpotlight Benin Patrice Talon weighs up soldiering on with army reforms  Africa Intelligence

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

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

Benin vs South Africa: When, How to Watch & Score Prediction - Morocco World NewsBenin vs South Africa: When, How to Watch & Score Prediction  Morocco World News

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

Benin - Drone training for the Police - EEASBenin - Drone training for the Police  EEAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benin: Teachers equipping students with legal knowledge for community protection - France 24Benin: Teachers equipping students with legal knowledge for community protection  France 24

Benin - General DebateBenin  General Debate

Benin: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Fourth Review under the Extended Fund Facility and the Extended Credit Facility Arrangements, and the First Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, and Request for Modification of a Quantitative Performan - International Monetary FundBenin: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Fourth Review under the Extended Fund Facility and the Extended Credit Facility Arrangements, and the First Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, and Request for Modification of a Quantitative Performan  International Monetary Fund

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

2024 News items - Benin hosts steering committee meeting of WTO-FIFA “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative - World Trade Organization2024 News items - Benin hosts steering committee meeting of WTO-FIFA “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative  World Trade Organization

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

Benin and Togo: Burning less, planting more and combatting climate change one meal at a time — welcome to the ‘Mothers Club’ - IFRCBenin and Togo: Burning less, planting more and combatting climate change one meal at a time — welcome to the ‘Mothers Club’  IFRC

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 and Senegal Experience Highest Growth in African Internet Resilience - IT News AfricaBenin and Senegal Experience Highest Growth in African Internet Resilience  IT News Africa

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

Benin - IFADBenin  IFAD

Benin VAT on B2C digital services update - VATCalcBenin VAT on B2C digital services update  VATCalc

2024 News items - Benin and Sierra Leone formally accept Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, bringing tally to 80 - World Trade Organization2024 News items - Benin and Sierra Leone formally accept Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, bringing tally to 80  World Trade Organization

Benin: Raphaël's pathway to learning to walk - hi.orgBenin: Raphaël's pathway to learning to walk  hi.org

Oba of Benin replaces suspended duke - Punch NewspapersOba of Benin replaces suspended duke  Punch Newspapers

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

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

Modeling the Impact of Cotton Production on Economic Development in Benin: A Technological Innovation Perspective - FrontiersModeling the Impact of Cotton Production on Economic Development in Benin: A Technological Innovation Perspective  Frontiers

Militant attack kills six Benin soldiers, army spokesperson says - ReutersMilitant attack kills six Benin soldiers, army spokesperson says  Reuters

Deconstructing China’s Interest in the Niger-Benin Rapprochement - orfonline.orgDeconstructing China’s Interest in the Niger-Benin Rapprochement  orfonline.org

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

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

Benin invests in rice, cashew, pineapple and garden products to strengthen its resilience - fao.orgBenin invests in rice, cashew, pineapple and garden products to strengthen its resilience  fao.org

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

Benin Unveils Ambitious Climate Action Framework at COP29 to Drive Green Transition and Sustainable Development - African Development Bank GroupBenin Unveils Ambitious Climate Action Framework at COP29 to Drive Green Transition and Sustainable Development  African Development Bank Group

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

Benin - Flood in Lalo DREF Operation (MDRBJ019) - ReliefWebBenin - Flood in Lalo DREF Operation (MDRBJ019)  ReliefWeb

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

Webinar | Emerging frontlines: How Jihadist expansion is reshaping Benin, Niger, and Nigeria - ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data)Webinar | Emerging frontlines: How Jihadist expansion is reshaping Benin, Niger, and Nigeria  ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data)

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

African Development Bank 2022-2026 country strategy for Benin sends very positive signals at halfway point - African Development Bank GroupAfrican Development Bank 2022-2026 country strategy for Benin sends very positive signals at halfway point  African Development Bank Group

Benin: African Development Bank invests EUR 80 million to modernize and extend the Autonomous Port of Cotonou - African Development Bank GroupBenin: African Development Bank invests EUR 80 million to modernize and extend the Autonomous Port of Cotonou  African Development Bank Group

Benin Int'l Arts Festival in Cotonou, Benin - XinhuaBenin Int'l Arts Festival in Cotonou, Benin  Xinhua

Benin seeks home-grown cotton 'revolution' - France 24Benin seeks home-grown cotton 'revolution'  France 24

Benin: RSF condemns the presidential interference undermining public television's editorial independence - Reporters sans frontièresBenin: RSF condemns the presidential interference undermining public television's editorial independence  Reporters sans frontières

Oba of Benin replaces suspended Enogie with Okao - The Nation NewspaperOba of Benin replaces suspended Enogie with Okao  The Nation Newspaper

Reconstruction of Benin–Asaba Expressway to boost Edo’s economy, infrastructure – ATOPCON - Nigerian ObserverReconstruction of Benin–Asaba Expressway to boost Edo’s economy, infrastructure – ATOPCON  Nigerian Observer

Identification System in Benin: Increasing Access to Services - World Bank BlogsIdentification System in Benin: Increasing Access to Services  World Bank Blogs

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025: Steve Mounié (Benin) – "I want to feel the pressure" - Confédération Africaine de FootballTotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025: Steve Mounié (Benin) – "I want to feel the pressure"  Confédération Africaine de Football

In Benin, the disappearance of mangroves is threatening human health - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceIn Benin, the disappearance of mangroves is threatening human health  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

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

Could T-shirts be the way to industrialise an African nation? - Financial TimesCould T-shirts be the way to industrialise an African nation?  Financial Times

Benin Advances in Climate-Resilient Agriculture Training through Farmer Field Schools: Catalyst for sustainable change - fao.orgBenin Advances in Climate-Resilient Agriculture Training through Farmer Field Schools: Catalyst for sustainable change  fao.org

Country Visit to Benin of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism - End of Mission Statement, 27 November 2024 - ReliefWebCountry Visit to Benin of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism - End of Mission Statement, 27 November 2024  ReliefWeb

Benin: some one million people to benefit from loan of EUR 118 million from the African Development Bank and Africa Growing Together Fund to supply more drinking water - African Development Bank GroupBenin: some one million people to benefit from loan of EUR 118 million from the African Development Bank and Africa Growing Together Fund to supply more drinking water  African Development Bank Group

Benin vs South Africa Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CAF) - The Stats ZoneBenin vs South Africa Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (CAF)  The Stats Zone

Benin festival seeks to dispel voodoo stereotypes - ReutersBenin festival seeks to dispel voodoo stereotypes  Reuters

Benin: African Development Fund helps women in shea industry build economic and financial resistance - African Development Bank GroupBenin: African Development Fund helps women in shea industry build economic and financial resistance  African Development Bank Group

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

2 associates of Benin’s president sentenced to 20 years in prison for coup plot - AP News2 associates of Benin’s president sentenced to 20 years in prison for coup plot  AP News

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

Hepatitis C virus diversity and treatment outcomes in Benin: a prospective cohort study - The LancetHepatitis C virus diversity and treatment outcomes in Benin: a prospective cohort study  The Lancet

WFP Benin Country Brief, September 2024 - ReliefWebWFP Benin Country Brief, September 2024  ReliefWeb

Finding a Pathway to Employment for Young Women in Benin - World Bank BlogsFinding a Pathway to Employment for Young Women in Benin  World Bank Blogs

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

Food for Progress Success Story: Benin Cashews - USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (.gov)Food for Progress Success Story: Benin Cashews  USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (.gov)

Benin and Senegal Experience Highest Growth in African Internet Resilience: Internet Society Pulse Country Report 2024 - Modern GhanaBenin and Senegal Experience Highest Growth in African Internet Resilience: Internet Society Pulse Country Report 2024  Modern Ghana

Learning to overcome Improvised Explosive Devices in Benin - EEASLearning to overcome Improvised Explosive Devices in Benin  EEAS

Benin’s Best Places to Visit: An Insider’s Guide to West Africa’s Hidden Gem - AirtelBenin’s Best Places to Visit: An Insider’s Guide to West Africa’s Hidden Gem  Airtel

VOA Creole: Haiti, Benin sign bilateral agreement - VOA - Voice of America English NewsVOA Creole: Haiti, Benin sign bilateral agreement  VOA - Voice of America English News

The Netherlands will return more than 100 bronze artifacts to Nigeria - NPRThe Netherlands will return more than 100 bronze artifacts to Nigeria  NPR

Bafana Bafana approach key against Benin - Percy Tau - SABC SportBafana Bafana approach key against Benin - Percy Tau  SABC Sport

South Africa go five points clear with victory over Benin - africanfootball.comSouth Africa go five points clear with victory over Benin  africanfootball.com

‘Africa is where I’m from’: why some Black Brazilians are moving to Benin - The Guardian‘Africa is where I’m from’: why some Black Brazilians are moving to Benin  The Guardian

Benin grants citizenship to slave descendants as it faces its own role in the trade - AP NewsBenin grants citizenship to slave descendants as it faces its own role in the trade  AP News

Benin’s Dollar Bond Marks Africa’s First Debt Sale This Year - Bloomberg.comBenin’s Dollar Bond Marks Africa’s First Debt Sale This Year  Bloomberg.com

Multi-hazard Surveillance Tool for West African Coastal Countries: Benin - Côte d’Ivoire - Ghana - Togo (GRANIT) (as of 30 September 2024) - ReliefWebMulti-hazard Surveillance Tool for West African Coastal Countries: Benin - Côte d’Ivoire - Ghana - Togo (GRANIT) (as of 30 September 2024)  ReliefWeb

Civilian helicopter chartered by US Africa Command crashes in Benin - Anadolu AjansiCivilian helicopter chartered by US Africa Command crashes in Benin  Anadolu Ajansi

Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Benin - UNEP - UN Environment ProgrammeEcosystem-based Adaptation in Benin  UNEP - UN Environment Programme

Oba of Benin replaces suspended dukes, appoints new district head - Punch NewspapersOba of Benin replaces suspended dukes, appoints new district head  Punch Newspapers

Dahomey: timely repatriation documentary gives a literal voice to Benin’s stolen objects - The ConversationDahomey: timely repatriation documentary gives a literal voice to Benin’s stolen objects  The Conversation

Benin court jails two ex-allies of president for 20 years - France 24Benin court jails two ex-allies of president for 20 years  France 24

“I’ve had enough of witnessing despair”: relief and hope greet Benin’s malaria vaccine roll-out - Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance“I’ve had enough of witnessing despair”: relief and hope greet Benin’s malaria vaccine roll-out  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

African Development Fund grants $60 million loan to Benin to strengthen its economic governance and private sector development - African Development Bank GroupAfrican Development Fund grants $60 million loan to Benin to strengthen its economic governance and private sector development  African Development Bank Group

Nigeria's museum agrees with royal ruler on custody of Benin Bronzes - ReutersNigeria's museum agrees with royal ruler on custody of Benin Bronzes  Reuters

Benin: the African Development Bank supports a study aimed at strengthening the textile industry through the private sector - African Development Bank GroupBenin: the African Development Bank supports a study aimed at strengthening the textile industry through the private sector  African Development Bank Group

Alleged Fraud: Courts jail additional 17 convicted internet fraudsters in Benin - NairametricsAlleged Fraud: Courts jail additional 17 convicted internet fraudsters in Benin  Nairametrics

Trained to stop poaching, Benin park rangers instead face jihadists - MongabayTrained to stop poaching, Benin park rangers instead face jihadists  Mongabay

Benin v South Africa | Match Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - CAF - supersport.comBenin v South Africa | Match Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - CAF  supersport.com

Gov Okpebholo receives Muslim leaders in Benin, assures of peaceful coexistence - Nigerian ObserverGov Okpebholo receives Muslim leaders in Benin, assures of peaceful coexistence  Nigerian Observer

How women are reducing maternal mortality in Benin - Doctors Without BordersHow women are reducing maternal mortality in Benin  Doctors Without Borders

Benin welcomes 14 new ammunition depot experts - EEASBenin welcomes 14 new ammunition depot experts  EEAS

Oba Of Benin Replaces Suspended Enigie With Okao - Leadership NewsOba Of Benin Replaces Suspended Enigie With Okao  Leadership News

Broos left frustrated ahead of Bafana’s World Cup qualifier against Benin - SAFA.netBroos left frustrated ahead of Bafana’s World Cup qualifier against Benin  SAFA.net