112,623 sq km / 43,484 sq mi (slightly larger than Virginia)
Capital City
The official capital city is Porto-Novo, but Cotonou is the administrative capital and the largest city.
Ethnic Groups
38.4% Fon 15.1% Adja 12% Yoruba 9.6% Bariba 8.6% Fulani 6.1% Ottamari 4.3% Yoa-Lokpa 2.9% Deni
Religion
27.7% Muslim 25.5% Roman Catholic 13.5% Protestant 11.6% Vodoun (Traditional beliefs) 9.5% Other Christian 11% Other / Nonreligious
Languages
French
There are many tribal languages that are widely spoken. Fon and Yoruba are the most common tribal languages.
Geography
Benin is a small slender nation on the west coast of Africa with 75 miles of coastland. It consists of coastal flat lands, tidal marshes, plateaus, and lagoons.
Economy
Benin is one of the poorest nations in the world. Half of the population is employed by the service industry and agriculture makes up just a little over of the quarter of the economy.
Interesting Fact
Before colonial rule, Benin was the territory of powerful and independent kingdoms.
Important Facts
The territory of Benin began trading with European nations in 1533 up until the 19th century when France gained control of Benin, eventually becoming an overseas territory of France in 1946. Benin gained their independence on August 1, 1960.
