Benin flag

Benin

Republic of Benin

Capital

Porto-Novo

Region

Africa

Population

13,224,860

Area (km²)

112,622

💡Quick Summary

Benin, a West African nation with a population of about 13.2 million, spans 112,622 km² and is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, including being the birthplace of voodoo. Its capital is Porto-Novo, though Cotonou serves as the economic hub, and the country boasts a diverse economy centered on agriculture, cotton exports, and emerging tourism. With GDP data unavailable here, Benin continues to focus on sustainable development amid challenges like poverty and climate change.

Key Insights

Benin's Economic Growth Outpaces Low GDP Per Capita

Despite a relatively low GDP per capita of $1,394.18, Benin exhibits a robust GDP growth rate of 6.353%. This suggests significant economic expansion, potentially indicating a developing economy with strong momentum, though the benefits may still be unevenly distributed among the population.

Remarkably Low Unemployment Rate Amidst Developing Economy

Benin reports a strikingly low unemployment rate of 1.657%, which is exceptionally low even compared to many developed nations. This figure is counterintuitive for a country with a modest GDP per capita, and could suggest a large informal sector or specific employment dynamics not fully captured by standard metrics.

High Fertility and Young Population Drive Future Growth Challenges

Benin's high fertility rate of 4.56 children per woman, coupled with a relatively low life expectancy of 60.77 years, points to a very young and rapidly growing population. This demographic structure presents both opportunities for a large workforce and significant challenges for providing adequate education, healthcare, and job creation in the future.

Significant Urbanization Despite Developing Status

Over half of Benin's population (51.746%) resides in urban areas, which is a notable level of urbanization for a country with its economic profile. This trend indicates a shift from rural to urban living, bringing potential benefits like improved infrastructure access but also challenges such as urban planning, housing, and service provision.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$19.67B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$1,394.18

GDP Growth (%)

6.35%

Inflation (%)

2.74%

Unemployment (%)

1.66%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 1/23/2026

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.00%2.00%4.00%6.00%8.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
201420152016201720182019202020212022202304,000,0008,000,00012,000,00016,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years20.0years40.0years60.0years80.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
201420152016201720182019202020210.0%15.0%30.0%45.0%60.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$350$700$1,050$1,400
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

Share This Country

Local Resources
Curated links to local news, real estate, events, and official websites

Real Estate

Events

Travel & Tourism