Benin: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Benin 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Benin: 116
  • Happiness Score Benin:4.377

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Benin. BJ.

    Benin is a country located in West Africa.

  • Benin is a presidential republic, with a President as the head of state and government.
  • The country has a rich cultural heritage, known for its traditional music, dance, and art
  • Benin’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cotton, palm oil, and cocoa being major exports.
  • Benin – A Comprehensive Overview

    History

    Early History: The territory of modern-day Benin was home to several ancient kingdoms, including the Ketu, Dahomey, and Yoruba kingdoms. The Dahomey Kingdom, which flourished from the 17th to the 19th century, was known for its military strength and for participating in the slave trade.

    Colonial Period: In the late 19th century, Benin became a French colony known as French Dahomey. The French faced resistance from the Dahomey Kingdom but eventually conquered the region in 1894.

    Independence and Modern Era: Benin gained independence from France on August 1, 1960. Initially known as the Republic of Dahomey, the country experienced political instability and a series of military coups until the democratic transition in 1991. Benin has since held regular multi-party elections and is considered one of Africa’s most stable democracies.

    Current Political Situation: Benin is a unitary semi-presidential republic with a multi-party system. Patrice Talon has been the President since 2016. The government faces challenges related to corruption, poverty, and economic development.

    International Relations: Benin maintains cordial relations with its neighbors and is a member of regional organizations like the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It has strong ties with France, its former colonial power.

    Human Development and Economy: Benin has a lower-middle-income economy heavily dependent on agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. The country faces challenges related to poverty, inequality, and access to basic services.

    Cultural Highlights: Benin is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Fon, Yoruba, and Bariba. The Vodun religion, also known as Voodoo, originated in Benin. The country is known for its vibrant music, arts, and crafts.

    Benin faces challenges related to poverty, infrastructure development, education, and healthcare access. However, its political stability and economic potential present opportunities for growth and development.

    Travel Tips for Benin

    Best Times to Visit: The dry and cooler months from November to March are generally considered the best time to visit Benin.

    Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, dress modestly, and ask for permission before taking photographs. Greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Avoid public displays of affection.

    Safety Precautions: Exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night. Avoid walking alone and keep valuables out of sight. Stay informed about the latest travel advisories.

    Must-See Landmarks: Visit the Ganvié Stilt Village, the Royal Palaces of Abomey (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Pendjari National Park, and the coastal city of Ouidah, known for its history related to the slave trade.

    Culinary Experiences: Try local dishes like akara (fried bean fritters), djen (a spicy shrimp and vegetables dish), and kuli-kuli (peanut snacks). Palm wine and locally brewed beers like Beninoises are popular drinks.

    Living in Benin

    Cost of Living: The cost of living in Benin is relatively low compared to many other countries, especially for housing, food, and transportation.

    Housing: Expats often choose to live in compounds or gated communities for security reasons. Rental prices vary based on location and amenities.

    Healthcare: Healthcare facilities in Benin are limited, especially outside the capital Cotonou. Many expats opt for private healthcare or travel to neighboring countries for major medical treatments.

    Education: There are several international schools in Cotonou, but education standards can vary. French and local languages are widely used in schools.

    Lifestyle: Benin has a relaxed pace of life. Foreigners should respect local customs and be prepared for power outages and infrastructure challenges. Social connections and community are important.

    Legal Requirements: Foreigners need a valid visa or residence permit to live in Benin. Regulations related to employment, taxation, and property ownership should be carefully reviewed.

    Doing Business in Benin

    Business Culture: Business relationships in Benin are built on personal connections and trust. Meetings often involve small talk and pleasantries before getting down to business.

    Economic Climate: Benin’s economy is largely based on agriculture, trade, and informal sectors. The government is taking steps to promote foreign investment and improve the business environment.

    Key Industries: Major industries include agriculture (cotton, cashew nuts, and palm oil), textiles, cement, and services (trade and transportation).

    Legal Framework: Benin’s legal system is based on French civil law and customary law. Foreign investors should familiarize themselves with regulations related to taxation, labor laws, and property rights.

    Negotiation Strategies: Build relationships and trust before negotiating. Patience and flexibility are important. Decisions may involve multiple stakeholders and take time.

    Building Local Relationships: Networking is crucial. Attend local events, join business associations, and consider partnering with local companies to navigate the market more effectively.

    Studying in Benin

    Educational System: Benin’s education system follows the French model, with primary, secondary, and higher education levels. French is the primary language of instruction.

    Top Universities: The University of Abomey-Calavi, the National University of Agriculture, and the University of Parakou are among the leading higher education institutions in Benin.

    Student Life: Campus life in Benin is vibrant, with student organizations, sports teams, and cultural events. However, facilities and resources can be limited compared to Western universities.

    Visa Requirements: International students need a valid student visa, which typically requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and medical clearance.

    Opportunities for International Students: International students can explore opportunities in fields like agriculture, environmental studies, and international development. Scholarships and exchange programs may be available.

Main facts

Location

Benin is a country located in West Africa, situated along the Gulf of Guinea. It is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, and the Bight of Benin to the south.

Map References

Benin is situated in West Africa.

Area – Comparative

The total area of Benin is approximately 112,622 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Benin shares a total land boundary of 1,989 kilometers with the following countries:

Coastline (if applicable)

Benin has a coastline of 121 kilometers along the Gulf of Guinea.

Maritime Claims

Benin claims a territorial sea of 200 nautical miles.

Climate

Benin has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season (December to April) and a rainy season (May to November). The climate varies from semi-arid in the north to sub-humid in the south.

Terrain

The terrain of Benin is predominantly flat, with a few elevated areas in the northwest and southeast regions. The country is divided by the Niger River and its tributaries, which create valleys and floodplains.

Elevation Extremes

The lowest point in Benin is the Atlantic Ocean (0 meters), while the highest point is Mont Sokbaro (658 meters) in the northwest.

Natural Resources

Benin’s major natural resources include small offshore oil and gas deposits, limestone, marble, and arable land.

Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Benin include the Niger River, which forms part of the northern border with Niger, and the coastal waters of the Gulf of Guinea.

Natural Hazards

The natural hazards affecting Benin include flooding, droughts, and coastal erosion.

Geography – Notes

Benin’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, and the country’s location along the Gulf of Guinea provides access to maritime trade routes. However, deforestation and soil degradation pose environmental challenges.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 37.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 6,476. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 33.30%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  9.307692.315834.
  • Capital: The capital of Benin is  Porto-Novo
  • Major Cities:
    • Cotonou – Population: 1,125,000
    • Porto-Novo – Population: 264,320
    • Parakou – Population: 255,478
    • Djougou – Population: 205,020
  • Population: 11,801,151
  • Area(Km2): 112622
  • Population Density( P/Km²):108. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:229
  • Official Language(s):Benin is primarily spoken in French (official) – 36.2%, Fon – 24.4%, Yoruba – 12.1%, and other languages.
  • Currency: XOF

Main Economic Indicators

Benin’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly cotton production, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP and export revenue. The country faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, a lack of skilled labor, and a high poverty rate. However, recent efforts have been made to diversify the economy by promoting sectors like tourism, construction, and telecommunications.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 3.0% (Source: World Bank)
2020: 3.4% (Source: World Bank)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: Not Rated
Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 24.5%
Industry: 25.2%
Services: 50.3% (Source: World Bank, 2021 estimates)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Cotton, corn, sorghum, rice, peanuts, cassava, vegetables, livestock
Industrial Products: Textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 4.3 million (2021 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: Not available

Current Account Balance

2021: -$1.3 billion (Source: World Bank)
2020: -$0.9 billion (Source: World Bank)
Comparative Ranking: Not available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $2.4 billion (2021 estimate)
Key Partners: India, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, China, Vietnam
Main Commodities: Cotton, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, gold, shrimp
Imports: $4.7 billion (2021 estimate)
Key Partners: China, United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, France
Main Commodities: Capital goods, petroleum products, foodstuffs

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $1.7 billion (2021 estimate)
Gold Reserves: Not available

  • GDP (Current US$):$14,390,709,095. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 10.80%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 48.90%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.72. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.39. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 2.23%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Beninese
Adjective: Beninese

2. Ethnic Groups

  • Fon and related groups (39.2%)
  • Adja and related groups (15.2%)
  • Yoruba and related groups (12.3%)
  • Bariba and related groups (9.2%)
  • Peulh and related groups (7%)
  • Ottamari and related groups (6.1%)
  • Yoa-Lokpa and related groups (4%)
  • Dendi and related groups (2.5%)
  • Other (4.3%)

3. Religions

  • Muslim (27.7%)
  • Catholic (25.5%)
  • Vodoun (11.6%)
  • Protestant (2.5%)
  • Other Christian (6.7%)
  • Other traditional religions (0.5%)
  • Other (0.3%)
  • None (23.8%)

4. Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 42.78%
  • 15-64 years: 54.27%
  • 65 years and over: 2.95%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 84.2
Youth dependency ratio: 79.8
Elderly dependency ratio: 4.4

6. Median Age

Total: 18.6 years
Males: 18.2 years
Females: 19 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 9.6% (2016)
  • Alcohol consumption per capita: 1.4 liters of pure alcohol (2016)
  • Tobacco use: 8.3% of adults (2016)
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 61.5. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 42.4%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:36.22. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 4.84. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 12.1%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 5,648,149. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):40.50%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The military of Benin consists of the following branches:

  • Army: Responsible for ground operations and national defense.
  • Navy: A small coastal naval force tasked with maritime security.
  • Air Force: Operates a limited fleet of transport and training aircraft.

Benin’s security services include the National Police, responsible for law enforcement and maintaining public order.

Military Expenditures

Benin’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2017: 1.1%
  • 2018: 1.2%
  • 2019: 1.3%
  • 2020: 1.4%
  • 2021: 1.5%

Benin ranks among the lower percentages globally for military spending relative to its GDP.

Personnel Strengths

Benin’s active military personnel strength is approximately 4,800, broken down as follows:

  • Army: 4,300
  • Navy: 300
  • Air Force: 200

The National Police force has an additional strength of around 5,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Benin’s military equipment primarily consists of light infantry weapons and some armored vehicles, including:

  • Tanks and armored personnel carriers
  • Towed artillery and mortar systems
  • Transport and utility helicopters

Most of Benin’s military hardware is imported from countries like China, Russia, and France.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Benin is voluntary, with enlistment into the armed forces permitted between the ages of 18 and 25. There is currently no mandatory military conscription.

Military Deployments

Benin has contributed troops to several United Nations peacekeeping missions, including:

  • United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)
  • United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA)

Strategic Military Notes

Benin’s military strategy is primarily focused on territorial defense, border security, and contributing to regional stability through peacekeeping operations. The country is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and participates in joint military initiatives and training exercises within the regional framework.

  • Armed Forces Size: 7300. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.08
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 70.90%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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