Porto-Novo is the official capital; Cotonou is the seat of government
Administrative:
6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou; note - six additional provinces have been reported but not confirmed; they are Alibori, Collines, Couffo, Donga, Littoral, and Plateau; moreover, the term "province" may have been changed to "department".
Population:
6,590,782
note: 6,590,782
Currency:
Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States
Languages:
French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)
Elevation:
highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Natural hazards:
hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter
The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output averaged a sound 5% in 1996-99, but a rapid population rise offset much of this growth. Inflation has subsided over the past several years. Commercial and transport activities, which make up a large part of GDP, are vulnerable to developments in Nigeria, particularly fuel shortages. The Paris Club and bilateral creditors have eased the external debt situation in recent years. While high fuel prices constrained growth in 2000, increased cotton production - enabled by a major restructuring program - and an expansion of the Cotonou port, may lead to increased growth in 2001.
Industry:
textiles, cigarettes; beverages, food; construction materials, petroleum
Ethnicgroups:
African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500
Yellow fever:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over 1 year of age.
Malaria:
Malaria risk—predominantly due to P. falciparum—exists throughout the year in the whole country. Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum reported.
