[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
(R\u00e9publique du B\u00e9nin (Republic of Benin))<\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Benin-Flag.png” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Flag” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”right” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] Capital of Benin<\/strong> : Porto-Novo<\/p>\n Population (Estimated July 2012)<\/strong>: 9,598,787<\/p>\n Area<\/strong>: 112,622km2 <\/sup>or 43,484mi2<\/sup><\/p>\n Currency<\/strong>: CFA Franc (CFAF)<\/p>\n Official Language<\/strong>: French<\/p>\n Political Information<\/strong>: Parliamentary Democracy<\/p>\n Official Religion<\/strong>: No Official Religion (approximately 27.1% of the population are Roman Catholic, 24.4% are Muslim, 17.3% are Vodoun, 10.4% are Protestant and 20.8% have other religious beliefs)<\/p>\n Highest Mountain<\/strong>: Mont Sokbaro at 658m or 2,158ft<\/p>\n <\/p>\n GDP Official Exchange Rate <\/strong>(OER is more precise at gauging a countries economic power)<\/em><\/p>\n (Estimated 2011)<\/strong>: $7.5 billion (US$) or \u00a34.5 billion (GBP)<\/p>\n GDP (OER) Per Capita <\/strong>(per member of the population estimated 2011)<\/em>: (US$) or (GBP)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n GDP Purchasing Power Parity <\/strong>(PPP is good for gauging living conditions and use of resources but not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States)<\/em> \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n (Estimated 2011)<\/strong>: $14.79 billion (US$) or \u00a38.874 billion (GBP)<\/p>\n GDP (PPP) Per Capita <\/strong>(per member of the population estimated 2011)<\/em>: $1,500 (US$) or \u00a3900 (GBP)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Time Zone (GMT\/UTC)<\/strong>: +1:00<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Counties\/Provinces\/States<\/strong>: (departments)<\/em> Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Sources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Benin, officially known as the Republic of Benin, is a small country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the east, Togo to the west, Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Despite its small size, Benin is a country with a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. From its ancient kingdoms to its vibrant traditions and customs, Benin is a country that has much to offer in terms of history and culture.<\/p>\n The cultural heritage of Benin is of great importance not only to its people but also to the world. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Royal Palaces of Abomey, which were the seat of power for the Kingdom of Dahomey. These palaces are a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the Beninese people. Additionally, Benin is known for its vibrant music and dance traditions, as well as its unique voodoo religion. The cultural heritage of Benin is not only a source of pride for its people but also a valuable asset that attracts tourists from around the world.<\/p>\n Benin is a country with diverse geography and topography. It is characterized by coastal plains in the south, plateaus in the centre, and savannahs in the north. The country is also home to several rivers, including the Niger River, which flows through the northern part of Benin. The diverse geography of Benin contributes to its natural beauty and provides a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.<\/p>\n In terms of climate, Benin experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season typically lasts from April to October and is characterized by heavy rainfall. The dry season, on the other hand, lasts from November to March and is characterized by hot and dry weather. The climate of Benin is influenced by the country’s proximity to the equator and the Atlantic Ocean, which helps to moderate temperatures.<\/p>\n The history of Benin is rich and complex, with a legacy that dates back centuries. The region that is now known as Benin was once home to several powerful kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Dahomey. The Kingdom of Dahomey was one of the most powerful and influential kingdoms in West Africa during the 17th to 19th centuries. It was known for its military prowess and its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.<\/p>\n The legacy of the Kingdom of Dahomey can still be seen today in the form of the Royal Palaces of Abomey, which were the seat of power for the kingdom. These palaces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serve as a reminder of Benin’s rich history. In the late 19th century, Benin came under French colonial rule and was known as French Dahomey. It remained a French colony until it gained independence in 1960.<\/p>\n Benin is a democratic republic with a multi-party political system. The country’s political system is based on a constitution that was adopted in 1990, following a period of military rule. The president is the head of state and is elected by popular vote for a maximum of two five-year terms. The president appoints the prime minister, who is responsible for running the government.<\/p>\n Benin has a vibrant democracy with regular elections and a strong civil society. The country has a number of political parties that compete in elections, including the Union Progressiste, which is currently in power. Elections in Benin are generally considered to be free and fair, although there have been some concerns about the fairness of recent elections.<\/p>\n The economy of Benin is primarily based on agriculture, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s GDP and employs a large percentage of the population. The main agricultural products in Benin include cotton, corn, yams, and palm oil. In recent years, there has been a push to diversify the economy and promote other sectors such as tourism and manufacturing.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/bn_large_locator.gif” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Map” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”|30px||30px” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Tag-Africa.png” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Asia 1 Globe Tag” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”|30px||30px” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Benin-Map2.png” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
\n[\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/benin-2222345_960_720.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
\n[\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/voodoo-736095_960_720.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
\n[\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/waters-3216644_960_720.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”left” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGeography and Climate of Benin: A Land of Diversity and Natural Beauty<\/h2>\n
History of Benin: From Ancient Kingdoms to Modern Independence<\/h2>\n
Politics and Government of Benin: A Democratic Republic in Africa<\/h2>\n
Economy of Benin: Agriculture, Trade, and Development<\/h2>\n