Benin

Republic of Benin République du Bénin (French)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Fraternité, Justice, Travail"  (French) "Fraternity, Justice, Labour"
Anthem: L'Aube Nouvelle  (French) The Dawn of a New Day
Location of  Benin  (dark blue) – in Africa  (blue & purple) – in the African Union  (blue)  —  [Legend]
Capital		Porto-Novo1 6°28′N 2°36′E
Largest city		Cotonou
Official languages		French
Vernacular		Fon, Yoruba
Ethnic groups (2002)		Fon 39.2% Adja 15.2% Yoruba 12.3% Bariba 9.2% Peulh 7% Ottamari 6.1% Yoa-Lokpa 4% Dendi 2.5% other 1.6% unspecified 2.9%
Demonym		Beninese; Beninois
Government		Multiparty democracy
-	President	Yayi Boni
-	Prime Minister	Pascal Koupaki
Legislature		National Assembly
Independence
-	from France	August 1, 1960
Area
-	Total	112,622 km2 (101st) 43,484 sq mi
-	Water (%)	0.02%
Population
-	2012 estimate	9,598,787 (89th)
-	2002 census	8,500,500
-	Density	78.1/km2 (120th) 202.2/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2011 estimate
-	Total	$14.683 billion
-	Per capita	$1,481
GDP (nominal)		2011 estimate
-	Total	$7.306 billion
-	Per capita	$736
Gini (2003)		36.5 medium
HDI (2011)		0.427 low · 167th
Currency		West African CFA franc (XOF)
Time zone		WAT (UTC+1)
-	Summer (DST)	not observed (UTC+1)
Drives on the		right
Calling code		229
Internet TLD		.bj
1.	Cotonou is the seat of government.
2.	Estimates for this country take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected.

Benin (officially called Republic of Benin) is a country in Africa. The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo. The seat of government is in Cotonou, the country's largest city. Most people live on the small southern coastline on the Bight of Benin.

The official language of Benin is French. Languages such as Fon and Yoruba are commonly spoken. The largest religious group in Benin is Roman Catholicism. This is followed closely by Islam, Vodun and Protestantism.

Benin is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone, La Francophonie, the Community of Sahel-Saharan States, the African Petroleum Producers Association and the Niger Basin Authority.

From the 17th to the 19th century, Benin was ruled by the Kingdom of Dahomey. It was called the Slave Coast from as early as the 17th century. This is because of the large number of slaves shipped to the New World. After slavery ended, France took over the country. They renamed it French Dahomey. In 1960, Dahomey gained full independence from France.

From 1972 to 1990 a Marxist-Leninist state called the People's Republic of Benin existed. The current Republic of Benin was formed in 1991.

Geography

Benin is a narrow country in west Africa. The country measures about 325 km (202 mi) at its widest point. It is between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. Benin is bordered by Togo to the west, Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, Nigeria to the east, and the Bight of Benin to the south.

The highest point is Mont Sokbaro at 658 m (2,159 ft).

Reserve du W du Niger and Pendjari National Park attract tourists who want to see elephants, lions, antelopes, hippos, and monkeys. Historically Benin has been a home for the endangered Painted Hunting Dog, Lycaon pictus;

Benin's climate is hot and humid. Yearly rainfall in the coastal area averages 1300 mm or about 51 inches. Benin has two rainy and two dry seasons per year. The main rainy season is from April to late July, with a shorter less strong rainy period from late September to November. The main dry season is from December to April, with a short cooler dry season from late July to early September. In Cotonou, the average maximum temperature is 31 °C (87.8 °F); the minimum is 24 °C (75.2 °F).

Departments

See also: List of cities in Benin

Benin is divided into 12 Departments. Then it is divided into 77 communes.

1. Alibori
2. Atakora
3. Atlantique
4. Borgou
5. Collines
6. Donga
7. Kouffo
8. Littoral
9. Mono
10. Ouémé
11. Plateau
12. Zou

Culture

Arts

Beninese literature had a strong oral tradition long before French became the main language. Felix Couchoro wrote the first Beninese novel, L'Esclave in 1929.

Singer Angélique Kidjo and actor Djimon Hounsou were both born in Cotonou, Benin. Composer Wally Badarou and singer Gnonnas Pedro are also from Benin.

Religion

In the 2010 census, 27.2% of the population of Benin were Christian, 24.4% were Muslim, 17.3% practiced Vodun, 6% other traditional local religious groups, 1.9% other religious groups, and 6.5% have no religious affiliation.

Education

The literacy rate in Benin is one of the lowest in the world. In 2002 it was said to be 34.7%. At one time the education system was not free.

Cuisine

Beninese cuisine is known in Africa for its exotic ingredients and flavorful dishes. Beninese cuisine has lots of fresh meals with a variety of sauces. In southern Benin cuisine, the most common ingredient is corn. It is often used to prepare dough which is mainly eaten with peanut- or tomato-based sauces. Fish and chicken are the most common meats used in southern Beninese cuisine. Beef, goat, and bush rat are also eaten. The main food in northern Benin is yams. The northern provinces use beef and pork meat which is fried in palm or peanut oil or cooked in sauces. Cheese is used in some dishes. Couscous, rice, and beans are commonly eaten, along with fruits such as mangoes, oranges, avocados, bananas, kiwi fruit, and pineapples.

Meat is usually expensive. Meals are usually light on meat and generous on vegetable fat. Smoked fish is commonly prepared in Benin. Many people have outdoor mud stoves for cooking.