Country Profile · No. 3

Benin

Capital / Admin Capital

Porto-Novo (official) / Cotonou (seat of government)Population: ~14.1MIndependence: 1960 (August 1)

First President

Hubert Maga (1960–1963)Current President: Patrice Talon (serving since April 2016)

Geography & Borders

Togo, Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Bight of Benin (Atlantic Ocean). Narrow north-to-south geographical layout.

Demographics & Language

Christianity (~48%), Islam (~28%), Vodun and traditional beliefs (~17%). Official: French language. Other: Fon, Yoruba, Bariba. Major groups: Fon (~35%), Adja (~15%), Yoruba (~12%).

Economy & GDP

Agriculture (cotton, cashew nuts, cassava), cotton ginning, regional port transit trade.

Global Diaspora

1. France (~60k), 2. Nigeria (~50k), 3. Gabon (~25k), 4. United States (~15k–20k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Maryland (Silver Spring/Baltimore), New York (New York City), Texas (Houston).

Major Conflicts

Dahomey-French Wars (1890–1894, colonial conquest of the Kingdom of Dahomey), 1972 military coup led by Mathieu Kérékou, 1977 mercenary invasion (Attempted overthrow by Bob Denard), Insurglency spillover from Sahel (2020s–present).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Ganvie (A sprawling stilt village located on Lake Nokoué, often called the "Venice of Africa"), 2. Royal Palaces of Abomey (UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the history of the powerful ancient Kingdom of Dahomey), 3. Pendjari National Park (Renowned West African biosphere reserve protecting elephants, lions, and diverse savannah wildlife).

Quick Facts

Widely recognized as the historical birthplace and spiritual heartland of West African Vodun; historical home to the fearsome all-female military regiment known as the Dahomey Amazons.