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Benin Facts and Figures

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Location of benin
Location of benin

Benin flag
Flag of Benin

Benin map
Map of Benin


Meaning of Country's name

Benin was named after the 'Bight of Benin' in 1975 based on the body of water on which it lies on.

Capital

Porto Novo

Largest Cities

Cotonou, Porto Novo

Population

18,662,086 (est.2008)

Country Code

229

Internet Country Code

.bj

Area

42,985 mi² (112,622 km²)

Area-Comparative

Slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Bordering Countries

Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Togo

Date of Founding Current State

August 1, 1960

Type of Government

Democratic Republic

Languages Spoken

French, Fon, Bariba, Pulaar

Religions Practiced

Christian, Islam, Vudan, and traditional beliefs

GDP per Capita

$771.21 (est. 2008)

Latest GDP Growth Rate

4% (est. 2009)

Top Exports

Cotton, Mineral Fuels, Oils

National Holidays

New Year's Jan. 1, Traditional Day Jan. 10, Labor Day May 1, Ascension May 25, Whit Monday June 5, Independence Day Aug. 1, Assumption Aug. 15, Armed Forces Day Oct. 26, All Saints' Day Nov. 30, and Christmas Day Dec. 25

Money Currency

CFA Franc BCEAO

National Sport Teams

National Football Team and Davis Cup Team

Random Fact

There are no natural harbors in Benin.



NEWS FROM Benin

Friday, 02-03-12, 7:57
[IPS] Ouagadougou - The story of a pair of buffalo aggressively prowling the edges of a village in eastern Burkina Faso is a warning sign of severe water stress in the region which threatens humans and wild animals alike.

Friday, 02-03-12, 6:36
[The Moment] THE African Union (AU) has said there was corridor talk indicating that President Goodluck Jonathan was interested in AU Chair in the recently concluded summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where President Boni Yayi of Republic of Benin emerged as the new chairperson.




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