Benin
🇧🇯 Western Africa · Republic of Benin
How Benin ranks globally
About Benin
Benin (officially Republic of Benin) is a country in Western Africa, with Porto-Novo as its capital. It is home to roughly 14.81 million people, giving a population density of about 132 people per square kilometre. The country covers 112,622 km² of land and shares land borders with 4 neighbouring countries. Its economy is valued at approximately $24.57B in nominal GDP (2025), and it records a Human Development Index of 0.515. The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), and the main language is French.
Key indicators
💹 Economy
👥 People
🌍 Quality of Life
GDP over time
How Benin measures up
Did you know?
Benin is the 75th most populous country in the world, with about 14.81 million people.
By land area it is the 100th-largest country in the world, covering 112,622 km².
It has the world's 122nd-largest economy by nominal GDP ($24.57B).
Benin shares land borders with 4 countries.
It is classed by the UN as a country of low human development, with an HDI of 0.515.
Benin has a population density of about 132 people per square kilometre.
Quick quiz — do you know Benin?
What is the capital of Benin?
Travel & practical
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Neighbouring countries
More countries in Africa
Explore more: all countries · all comparisons