Benin Flag

Benin

Capital:
Porto-Novo
Continent:
Africa
Largest Cities:
Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Djougou
Abbreviation:
BEN

Benin is a country in Africa, known for its palm-lined beaches and Pendjari National Park. It has a population of nearly 15 million, making it the 76th largest country in the world. Its official language is Portuguese, and the capital is Porto-Novo. Benin has a agricultural economy with growing services sector.

14.8M
Total Population
76
Population Rank
131.38
Density (km²)
351.8K 2.54%
Annual Population Growth

Population of Benin

Benin's population structure shows a nearly equal male to female ratio of 1.01 to 1, with a median male age of 18.65 years old and a median female age of 19.18 years old. The highest concentration of adults under 75 years old is in the 18 and 19 year-old age groups, while the lowest concentration is in the 74 and 73 year-old age groups.

Benin Population

Data after 2022 is projected based on recent change

Benin Population Clock

Benin Population*
14,675,002
Births per Day
1,340
Deaths per Day
350
Emigrations per Day
21
Net Change per Day
969
2025 Population Change*
35,853

* As of 2/6/2025

1 birth

Every 1.1 minutes

1 death

Every 4.1 minutes

1 emigrant

Every 1.1 hours

1 person

Every 1.5 minutes

Population by City

City
2025 Pop.
Cotonou780,000
Abomey-Calavi385,755
Djougou237,040
Porto-Novo234,168
Parakou163,753
Bohicon125,092
Kandi109,701

Benin Overview

Benin, officially the Republic of Benin and formerly Dahomey, is a West African country bordered by Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Togo.

Benin Demographics

Benin has a young population with a life expectancy of just 59 years. There are 42 different African ethnic groups, the ancestors of a number of groups who have settled in the area over centuries and migrated to the country. Major ethnic groups include the Yoruba in the southeast (who migrated from Nigeria), the Dendi in the north-central region (who originated from Mali), the Bariba and Fula in the northeast, the Betammaribe and Somba, the Fon near Abomey, and the Aja, Xueda, and Mina.

In 2002, the composition of the country was 39% Fon, 15% Adja, 12% Yoruba, 9% Bariba, 7% Fula, 6% Ottamari, 4% Kabye and 2.5% Dendi.

A wave of recent migration has brought many other African nationals to the country, including Togolese and Ingerians. There is also a group of Indians and Lebanese in the region for commerce and trade. There is a European population of about 5,500, most of which include personnel of embassies, foreign aid missions, and missionary groups.

Benin has one of the world’s highest death rates for children under five with little access to healthcare. Benin also has one of the world’s lowest literacy rates at about 43%.

Benin Religion, Economy and Politics

The country of Benin is relatively divided in terms of religion. Christianity is the largest religion, with 48.5% of the population practicing one denomination or another. An additional 27.7% practice Islam, 12.2% of people have an uncommon religion or no religion at all, and 11.6% of the people follow Vodun. Vodun is a traditional African religion that believes in many gods.

Benin is one of the largest cotton producers in Africa, and this industry alone accounts for 40% of the national GDP, and 80& of their exports. Other common exports from Benin include textiles, cocoa beans, maize, beans, rice, nuts, and various tubers. Without any other major industries, it has been difficult for the economy in Benin to thrive. However, Patrice Talon- the president elected in 2016, is working on expanding private exports which are expected to encourage growth by allowing Benin to export to more countries.

Benin Population History

Became its own nation, free from France and accepted into the UN, in 1960. The growth rate of the country saw a sharp increase at that time, going from 0.43% to 1.09% in 1960. The population continued to expand significantly as they began navigating their way as an independent country. Drawing many immigrants, the rate of growth got to 2.31% by 1975 and over 3% annually by 1990. The population has more than quadrupled since its independence in 1960.