Benin

Area: 112 620 km²

Population: 8 078 314 (2007)

Population density: 71.7 pers./km²

Capital: Porto-Novo

Government type: Presidential republic

Official language: French

Ethnic groups: Fon 39.2%, Adja 15.2%, Yoruba 12.3%, Bariba 9.2%, Peulh 7%, Ottamari 6.1%, Yoa-Lokpa 4%, Dendi 2.5%, other 1.6%

Religion: Christian 42.8%, Muslim 24.4%, Vodoun 17.3%, other 15.5%

Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)

Time zone: UTC+1

Administrative divisions: Benin is divided into 12 departments, which are subdivided into 77 communes

Highest point: Mount Sokbaro kalns 658 m

Longest river: Oueme River 500 km

Largest lake: Lake Nokoue

Largest cities: Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Parakou, Djougou, Bohicon

Calling code: +229

Internet TLD: .bj