Date: 2023-09-10 / Countries

Benin Detailed Information About

iso2 Code = BJ
iso3 Code = BEN
Phone Code = 229
Capital = Porto-Novo
Currency Code = XOF
Currency = West African CFA franc
Tld. Domain Extension = .bj
Region = Africa
Nationality = Beninese, Beninois

Information About Benin

Benin, officially known as the Republic of Benin, is a country located in West Africa. Niger borders Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Togo. The capital of the country is Porto-Novo, but the seat of government is Cotonou. Benin gained independence from Dahomey, a former French colony, in 1960. The country changed its name to Benin in 1972. Benin is governed by a democratic republic. Benin's economy is based on agriculture, services and industrial sectors. The agricultural sector employs a large part of the country's population. The most important agricultural products include corn, rice, peanuts, cocoa and cotton. Additionally, fishing is also an important economic activity. The country's natural beauties include places such as the Comoé River, Pendjari National Park and Ganvié Village. Ganvié Village is known as the "Venice" of Africa because it is a village built on water. Benin's culture is formed by the combination of various ethnic groups. The country is famous for music, dance and handicrafts. Voodoo religion is an important part of Benin and is still followed by many people. Additionally, the Voodoo Festival held annually in Benin is an event that attracts tourists. Benin is a country with tourism potential with its rich cultural heritage, natural beauties and historical sites. However, economic difficulties and infrastructure deficiencies limit the development of the tourism sector. Benin is a country located in West Africa. According to 2021 estimates, it has a population of approximately 12.5 million people. The population density of the country is calculated as approximately 99 people per square kilometer. Benin's population is ethnically and linguistically diverse. The country's largest ethnic groups include Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba, Somba and Dendi. French becomes the official language However, various local languages are also spoken in the country. Benin's demographic structure has a young population. According to 2021 estimates, 61% of the country is under 25 years old. This young population offers significant potential for the economic and social development of the country. The population in Benin largely lives in rural areas. The capital and largest city of the country is Porto-Novo. Cotonou is the second largest city and economic center. The population density in these two cities is higher than in other regions. Demographic indicators such as population growth rate, birth rate and death rate affect Benin's population dynamics. According to 2021 estimates, the country's birth rate is 36.6 per 1000 people and the death rate is

8.1 per 1000 people. Benin's population is distributed among those working in agriculture, commerce and the service sector. Agriculture is one of the core sectors of the country's economy and most of the population is employed in the agricultural sector. In conclusion, Benin is a West African country with a young population concentrated in rural areas. The country's population includes various ethnic groups and the agricultural sector is an important source of employment.

Information About the Capital

Porto-Novo is the capital and second largest city of the West African country Benin. The city is located in the southeastern part of Benin, on the banks of the Niger River. Porto-Novo has an important role as the administrative, commercial and cultural center of Benin. Porto-Novo is home to many important buildings that reflect Benin's historical and cultural heritage. A large granite rock called Roche Noire (Black Rock), located in the city, is one of the symbols of Porto-Novo. In addition, historical buildings such as Porto-Novo Cathedral and Jardin Place Jean Bayol in the city also attract the attention of visitors. Since Porto-Novo is the administrative center of Benin, it is the political and administrative center of the country. hosts activities. The Palais de la Marina, the residence of Benin's president, is located in Porto-Novo. There are also many government buildings, embassies and international organizations in Porto-Novo. Porto-Novo's economy is based on agriculture, trade and the service sector. The city plays an important role in foreign trade by taking advantage of its port as well as its natural resources such as agricultural products and livestock products. Additionally, the tourism industry is developing in Porto-Novo. Porto-Novo also attracts attention with its proximity to Cotonou, Benin's other largest city. There is a distance of 34 kilometers between the two cities and therefore Porto-Novo is used as an alternative to Cotonou for business and commercial purposes. Porto-Novo is an important destination for tourists interested in Benin's historical and cultural heritage. Museums, markets and festivals in the city offer visitors the opportunity to explore Benin culture. In conclusion, Porto-Novo is a city with historical and cultural riches that has an important role as the capital of Benin. Offering many opportunities for both locals and tourists, Porto-Novo is one of Benin's most important cities.

Information About XOF

Benin's currency is the West African CFA franc. Benin, a member of the Economic and Monetary Union of West Africa (UEMOA), adopted the CFA franc instead of the French West African franc in 1973. Besides Benin, the CFA franc is also used in several other West African countries neighboring Benin, such as Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo and Guinea-Bissau. The CFA franc is guaranteed by the French Central Bank. The ISO code for the CFA franc used in Benin is XOF. The subunit of the franc is called the centime, and 1 franc is divided into 100 centimes. Banknotes are generally e in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 francs. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 centimes. In Benin, the CFA franc is widely used in day-to-day trading and other economic transactions. It is also a common currency used when trading with other members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union.

Historical Places

Benin is a country located in West Africa and is home to many historical and cultural heritage. Here is information about some historical places in Benin:

1. Abomey Kingdom Palaces: Located in Abomey, these palaces are located in the former capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey. The palaces were built between the 17th and 19th centuries and are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These palaces represent an important part of Benin culture and history.

2. Ouidah Slavery History Museum: Located in the city of Ouidah, this museum bears the traces of the slavery period. Ouidah, one of the centers of the slave trade, sheds light on this dark period for visitors through this museum. The museum contains historical documents, exhibits and monuments related to the slave trade.

3. Pendjari National Park: Located in the northwest of Benin, Pendjari National Park is famous for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The park is home to many endemic and endangered animal species such as African elephant, bison, antelope, monkeys and various bird species. Additionally, safari tours are organized to observe wildlife in the park.

4. Ganvié Village: Ganvié is a water village in Benin and is also known as the "Venice of Africa". The village is located on Lake Tado and its inhabitants live in wooden houses. Ganvié is an important example of Benin culture and a popular visiting spot for tourists.

5. Porto-Novo: Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin, is known for its historical and cultural heritage. city There are important historical and cultural buildings such as the Ethnography Museum, Porto-Novo Cathedral and Da Silva Museum. Porto-Novo is also considered the center of Benin culture and is a place where local festivals and events are held. This is just some of the historical places in Benin. Benin has a rich historical and cultural heritage, making it a great place to explore the country.

Food Culture

Since Benin is a country located in West Africa, its dishes are also influenced by West African cuisine. Benin's traditional meals generally consist of grains, meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. Here are some of Benin's popular dishes:

1. Pâte: Pâte is one of the most common dishes in Benin. This is a type of dough made from cornmeal or yuca root. It is usually served with meat or vegetable sauce.

2. Akassa: Akassa is a dish made from fermented corn flour. This is one of Benin's traditional dishes and is usually served with tomato sauce and vegetables.

3. Gboma Dessi: Gboma Dessi is one of the most popular dishes in Benin cuisine. This is a dish made with meat (usually chicken or mutton), vegetables, and peanut sauce.

4. Kuli-Kuli: Kuli-Kuli is a popular snack in Benin. This is a type of chips or crackers made from toasted peanut flour. It is usually flavored with spices and served hot.

5. Agouti: Agouti is a dish made from the meat of agouti, a rodent hunted in Benin. This is a popular meat dish in Benin and is often flavored with spices and served with vegetables.

6. Aloko: Aloko is another popular dish of Benin cuisine. This is a stir fry of banana or potato wedges. It is usually served with sauces and consumed as a snack. Benin's traditional dishes are generally spicy and delicious. Meat, fish, vegetables Basic nutrients such as e and grain are used intensively. These dishes are part of Benin culture and are often shared among families and friends.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Benin is a country located in West Africa and has various options in terms of entertainment and nightlife. Especially the capital Porto-Novo and Cotonou are the areas with the liveliest nightlife. Cotonou is the largest city in Benin and has many bars, nightclubs, restaurants and live music venues. Nightlife in the city is generally livelier on weekends. If you like dancing, you can dance to local and international music in many nightclubs in Cotonou. There are also entertainment options in other parts of Benin. Beach parties and live music events are held especially in coastal towns such as Ouidah and Grand Popo. Local dance groups also provide entertainment with traditional dance and music performances. Traditional festivals are also held in Benin. For example, the Voodoo Festival, held every January, offers experiences of the country's cultural heritage and is filled with traditional dance, music and voodoo rituals. However, it is important to note that nightlife in Benin is not as developed as in Western countries. It is important to be mindful of safety and respect local customs. Additionally, the quality and safety of venues in nightlife areas may vary, so it's important to be careful.

Culture of Life

Benin is a country located in West Africa and has a rich cultural heritage. Traditions and customs in Benin are often associated with the lifestyles, beliefs and values of local ethnic groups. In Benin, there are various traditions and customs among different ethnic groups. Some of these� � are:

1. Dance and Music: Dance and music have an important place in Benin culture. Ethnic groups have their own musical styles and dance forms. These dances and music are performed at community events and special ceremonies.

2. Masks and Costumes: Mask and costume making is an important handicraft in Benin. Masks and costumes are worn during rituals, festivals and ceremonies. These masks are used to communicate with spirits of the past or to represent spirits that are guardians of the community.

3. Traditional Ceremonies: Various traditional ceremonies such as birth, marriage and death are held in Benin. These ceremonies are important to reinforce the unity and solidarity of society. Ceremonies are often celebrated with dance, song and accompanying rituals.

4. Local Handicrafts: In Benin, local handicrafts are still produced using traditional methods. Crafts such as ceramics, weaving, woodworking and beading can be a source of income for local people. These handicrafts are an important part of Benin culture and are also popular among tourists.

5. Traditional Clothes: Traditional clothes in Benin are made with local fabrics and patterns. Women usually wear loose, colorful dresses called boubou, while men usually wear trousers, shirts and robes. Traditional clothes are worn during special ceremonies and festivals.

6. Cultural Festivals and Celebrations: Many cultural festivals and celebrations are held in Benin. Some of these are events such as Voodoo Festival, Gelede Festival and National Independence Day. Dances, music, rituals and traditional games are performed in these festivals. In Benin, traditions and customs are important to preserve the cultural identity of the society. These traditions and customs reflect Benin's rich and diverse culture.

Economic Information

Benin is a country located in West Africa. More than 12 million population It is one of the smallest countries on the African continent. The country's economy is largely based on agriculture. The agricultural sector is the largest sector of the Benin economy, accounting for approximately 25% of the country's GDP. Major agricultural products include corn, cotton, rice, bananas, cocoa, palm oil and peanuts. Fishing is also an important industry. Benin's industrial sector is smaller compared to agriculture. Major industries include textiles, food processing, chemicals, furniture manufacturing and construction. The country's natural resources include oil, natural gas, phosphate, gold and iron ore, but these resources have not yet been fully developed. Trade, especially with neighboring countries, plays an important role in Benin's trade. Nigeria is Benin's largest trading partner and there is a significant trade volume between the two countries. Other important trading partners include Burkina Faso, Togo, Ghana and Niger. Benin's economy is classified as a low-income country. The country is fighting poverty and implementing various reforms to stimulate economic growth. However, Benin's economic potential has not yet been fully realized and it can be said that the country faces significant challenges in terms of development.

Living Costs

$0.94

⛽ Gas / Petrol, 1 L or 0.26 gal
🍱 Lunch Menu	$5.26
🥂 Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2	$26.7
🥪 Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald's	$8.21
🍻 Beer in a Pub, 0.5 L or 16 fl oz	$1.33
☕ Cappuccino	$4.39
🥤 Pepsi / Coke, 0.5 L or 16.9 fl oz	$0.73
🏙️ 1 bedroom apartment in city Center, 40 m2 or 430 ft2	$304
🏡 Cheap 1 bedroom apartment, 40 m2 or 430 ft2	$158
🏙️ 3 bedroom apartment in city Center, 80 m2 or 860 ft2	$448
🏡 Cheap 3 bedroom apartment, 80 m2 or 860 ft2	$317
🔌 Utility Bill one person, electricity, heating, water, etc.	$55.3
🔌 Utility Bill for a Family, electricity, heating, water, etc.	$84.9
🌐 Internet plan, 50 Mbps+ 1 month unlimited	$51
🏦 Mortgage Interest Rate for 20 Years	5.01%
🏙️ Apartment price to Buy in city Center, 1 m2 or 10 ft2	$8620
🏡 House price to Buy in Suburbs, 1 m2 or 10 ft2	$739
🚌 Local transport ticket	$1.71
🎟️ Monthly ticket local transport	$25.2
🚕 Taxi Ride, 8 km or 5 mi	$19.4
🥛 Milk, 1 L or 1 qt	$1.96
🍞 Bread, 0.5 kg or 1.1 lb	$1.02
🍚 Rice, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	$1.01
🥚 Eggs, x12	$2.3
🧀 Cheese, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	$4.27
🐔 Chicken Breast, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	$6.26
🥩 Round Steak, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	$4.82
🍏 Apples, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	$3.09
🍌 Banana, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	$1.33
🍊 Oranges, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	$1.07
🍅 Tomato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	$1.44
🥔 Potato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	$1.47
🧅 Onion, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	$1.49
🌊 Water, 1 L or 1 qt	$0.83
🍹 Coca-Cola / Pepsi, 2 L or 67.6 fl oz	$2.7
🍾 Wine (mid-priced), 750 mL bottle	$7.28
🍺 Beer, 0.5 L or 16 fl oz	$1.07
🚬 Cigarette pack	$2.09
💊 Cold medicince, 1 week	$3.04
🧴 Hair Shampoo	$4.27
🧻 Toilet paper, 4 rolls	$2.06
👄 Toothpaste, 1 tube	$2.33
🏋️ Gym Membership, 1 month	$29.6
🎫 Cinema Ticket, 1 person	$6.12
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's visit	$26
💇 Haircut, simple	$9.59
👖 Brand Jeans	$26.6
👟 Brand Sneakers	$50
👶 Daycare or Preschool, 1 month	$215
🏫 International Primary School, 1 year	$6285

Living Costs Source: livingcost.org

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