Benin

Benin (pronounced /bɨˈnɪn/), officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in Western Africa. It borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north; its short coastline to the south leads to the Bight of Benin. Its size is just over 110000 km² with a population of almost 8500000. Its capital is the Yoruba founded city of Porto Novo, but the seat of government is the Fon city of Cotonou. About half the population live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 per day.

Contents

• 1 Name
• 2 History
• 3 Politics
• 4 Departments and communes
• 5 Geography
• 6 Economy
• 7 Demographics
• 8 Health
• 9 Culture
  • 9.1 Arts
  • 9.2 Customary names
  • 9.3 Language
  • 9.4 Religion
• 10 See also
• 11 References
• 12 External links

Republic of Benin République du Bénin
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Fraternité, Justice, Travail" (French) "Fraternity, Justice, Labour"
Anthem: L'Aube Nouvelle (French) The Dawn of a New Day
Capital		Porto-Novo1 112622) 6°28′N 2°36′E / 6.467°N 2.6°E / 6.467; 2.6
Largest city		Cotonou
Official languages		French
Demonym		Beninese; Beninois
Government		Multiparty democracy
-	President	Yayi Boni
Independence		from France
-	Date	August 1,1960
Area
-	Total	112622 km2 (101st) 43484 sq mi
Population
-	July 2005 estimate	84390002 (89th)
-	2009 census	6769914
-	Density	75/km2 (118th3) 194/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2008 estimate
-	Total	US$13014000000[1] (140th)
-	Per capita	US$1605[1] (166th)
GDP (nominal)		2008 estimate
-	Total	US$6940000000[1]
-	Per capita	US$856[1]
Gini (2003)		36.5 (medium)
HDI (2007)		▲ 0.437 (low) (163rd)
Currency		West African CFA franc (XOF)
Time zone		WAT (UTC+1)
-	Summer (DST)	not observed (UTC+1)
Drives on the		right
Internet TLD		.bj
Calling code		229