Benin
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Capital
Porto-Novo
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Local time
20:12
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Population
11 m
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Driving side
Right
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Calling code
+229
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Currency
Fr XOF (franc)
Benin
-
Capital
Porto-Novo
-
Local time
20:12
-
Population
11 m
-
Driving side
Right
-
Calling code
+229
-
Currency
Fr XOF (franc)
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Petrol price
€ 1.03 pl
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Precipitation
1 039mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
114 000 km2
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Protected Area
28%
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Forest Area
38%
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Agricultural area
33%
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Railways
758km
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Annual air passengers
899
Population
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Ethnicity
African
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Religion
indigenous - 50 %
Christian - 30 %
Islam - 20 %
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Literacy rates
32.9%
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Languages
French
Fon and Yoruba
tribal languages
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Armed Forces
9 750
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Murders
6 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
2.2 l/person
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Smoking
17.7%
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Diabetes
0.8%
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Malaria
294%
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Tuberculosis
60 per 100k
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HIV
1%
Economy
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Industries
textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement
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Agriculture
cotton, corn, cassava (manioc), yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, cashews, livestock
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Natural Resources
small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber
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Energy Import
46%
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Natural Resources
small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber
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Renewable Energy
48%
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CO2 Emissions
6 318kt
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Ease of Business
151 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
4
What not to do when visiting Benin
Benin Don't forget to shake hands on arrival and departure.
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Benin Don't worry about direct communication style - it's common and there are not many taboos when speaking your mind.
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Benin Don't refuse food and drink when offered - it's a key element of hospitality and refusing may be considered rude.
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Did you know?
The shortest existing republic was Benin - in 1967, it existed for a whole 7 hours.
Benin Don't photograph government buildings and official sites without special permission.
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Benin Don't use left hand when eating or offering something to another person. Many people eat in traditional style - using fingers of the right hand.
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Benin Don't look away when meeting or discussing with people - direct eye contact is essential in communication.
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Benin Don't let strangers navigate you through the crowded markets - it might be their plan for a crime. There‘s higher criminal activity in Cotonou like pick‘pocketing, purse-snatching, theft of valuables from vehicles, assaults, and residential burglaries.
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Benin Don't drink any water available - boil all drinkable water or drink bottled one.
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Did you know?
Benin was named after a historical region that was located in what is now Southern Nigeria.
Benin Don't expect classy public transport in Cotonou (capital). Many people rely on bicycles, mopeds and motorbikes for hire ("zemidjans"). Take care when driving those at night for being mugged or robbed.
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Benin Don't necessarily buy smuggled gasoline from Nigeria - it may be of unreliable quality, containing water or other contaminants damaging the vehicle.
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Benin Don't expect nice roads they're generally in poor condition and often impassable during the rainy season (mid-June to mid-September).
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Benin Don't underestimate swimming conditions - Benin's coastline can be dangerous due to strong tides, waves and rip currents. Several people drown each year.
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