Country Profile

Formal Name: Republic of Benin
Local Name: République du Bénin
Government: Multiparty democracy
Structure: 12 departments (départements), subdivided into 77 communes
Formation: 1960 (independence from France)
Motto: Fraternité, Justice, Travail (Fraternity, Justice, Labour)
Flag: National Flag of Benin
Anthem: L’Aube Nouvelle (The Dawn of a New Day)
Languages: French
Population: 9 million
Area: 112,622 km2 (101st)
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
Capital: Porto-Novo (250,000)
Codes: .bj (internet), +229 (phone)