Benin

Porto-Novo · Africa

Population

13.2M

World Bank, 2025

Superficie

112,622 km²

PIB

$21.5B

World Bank, 2025

PIB Par Habitant

$1,485.38

World Bank, 2025

Espérance de Vie

60.8 yrs

World Bank, 2025

Capitale

Porto-Novo

Benin is a country located in Western Africa, with its capital in Porto-Novo. As of 2025, it has a population of 13.2M and covers an area of 112,622 km². The economy of Benin has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $21.5B (World Bank, 2025), translating to a per-capita income of $1,485.38 with annual economic growth of 7.5%. Life expectancy in Benin stands at 60.8 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The official language is French, and the currency is the West African CFA franc (Fr). Benin shares land borders with 4 countries.

How Large Is Benin's Economy?

Benin's GDP of $21.5B makes it a lower-middle-income economy by World Bank classification. GDP per capita of $1,485 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025). The most recent annual growth rate of 7.5% is above the global median of 3.1% (World Bank, 2025). The unemployment rate of 1.6% is 80% below the regional average of 7.8 (World Bank, 2025). Inflation of 1.2% is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks. Benin's official currency is the West African CFA franc (Fr). As a UN member, Benin participates in multilateral trade frameworks.

GDP

$21.5B

World Bank, 2025

GDP Per Capita

$1,485.38

World Bank, 2025

GDP Growth

7.5%

Unemployment

1.6%

Inflation

1.2%

Currencies

XOF

What Are Benin's Demographics?

With 13.2M people, Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. At 117 people per km², the country is moderately populated. Life expectancy stands at 60.8 years, 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. Infant mortality of 46.4 per 1,000 live births is 5% above the regional average of 44 (World Bank, 2025). The country's official language is French.

Population

13.2M

World Bank, 2025

Life Expectancy

60.8 yrs

World Bank, 2025

Infant Mortality

46.4 per 1k

Literacy Rate

—

Languages

French

CO₂ Per Capita

—

Where Is Benin Located?

Benin covers 112,622 km² (43,000 sq miles) and shares land borders with 4 countries. The country sits within the Africa region, Western Africa subregion, spanning Africa. Porto-Novo serves as the seat of government and administrative capital of Benin. The country spans 1 time zone. Recognized internationally by ISO codes BJ and BEN, Benin is an independent sovereign state and a full UN member. Its 1 currency (XOF) reflects its participation in multilateral trade and monetary frameworks.

Area

112,622 km²

Region

Africa

Subregion

Western Africa

Capital

Porto-Novo

Timezones

UTC+01:00

Continents

Africa

Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: March 2026.

How to Call Benin

The international calling code for Benin is +229. When calling from abroad, first dial your country's exit code (for example, 00 in Europe), then 229, then the local number.

Country Code

+229

Exit Code

Trunk Prefix

None

Format

+229 XX XX XX XX

Mobile Prefixes

Example: To call a number in Benin from abroad, dial +229 55 55 55 55

Frequently Asked Questions about Benin

What is the population of Benin?

Benin has a population of 13.2M as of 2025, according to World Bank data. Life expectancy is 60.8 years.

What is the capital of Benin?

The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo. It serves as the country's administrative and political center.

What is the GDP of Benin?

Benin's GDP is $21.5B as of 2025 (World Bank). GDP per capita is $1,485.38. The economy grew at 7.5% in 2025.

What is the life expectancy in Benin?

The average life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The infant mortality rate is 46.4 per 1,000 live births.

What region is Benin in?

Benin is located in Africa, specifically in Western Africa. It is part of the continent of Africa.

What is the size of Benin?

Benin covers an area of 112,622 km² (43,484 square miles). The population density is approximately 117.4 people per km².

What currency does Benin use?

Benin uses the West African CFA franc (Fr) with currency code XOF.

What language is spoken in Benin?

The official language of Benin is French.

Is Benin a member of the United Nations?

Yes, Benin is a member of the United Nations.

What is Benin's GDP?

Benin's GDP is $21.5B (World Bank, 2025). This places it among Africa's economies by total output.

What is Benin's GDP per capita?

Benin's GDP per capita is $1,485, which is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025).

What is Benin's inflation rate?

Benin's inflation rate is 1.2%, within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks (World Bank, 2025).

What is the population density of Benin?

Benin has a population density of 117 people per km², making it moderately populated.

What is the life expectancy in Benin?

Life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years, 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years (World Bank, 2025).

What is the total area of Benin?

Benin has a total land area of 112,622 km² (43,000 sq miles). This measurement covers the country's total sovereign territory as recorded by international geographic databases.

How many countries does Benin border?

Benin shares land borders with 4 countries (identified by the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 codes: BFA, NER, NGA, TGO). These borders define the country's overland connections to the wider region.

What is the calling code for Benin?

The international calling code for Benin is +229. To call Benin from abroad, dial your country's exit code (00), then 229, followed by the local number.

How do I call Benin from the US?

To call Benin from the United States, dial 011 + 229 + the local phone number. For example: 011-229-55 55 55 55.