AFRICA

BJ flag Benin

Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Population 13.2 million
Exchange Rate 1 USD = 553.75 XOF
Advisory Level 2
GDP/Capita $1,485
Health Alerts 0
Last Updated Apr 23, 2026
BJ flag Benin
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About BeninOverview, geography, and key facts
Flag of Benin

Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, is a country in West Africa. Benin is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the north-west, and Niger to the north-east. The majority of its population lives on the southern coastline of the Bight of Benin, part of the Gulf of Guinea in the northernmost tropical portion of the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is Porto-Novo, and the seat of government is in Cotonou, the most populous city and economic capital. Benin covers an area of 112,622 km2 (43,484 sq mi), and its population in 2021 was estimated to be approximately 13 million. It is a tropical country with an economy heavily dependent on agriculture and the exports of palm oil and cotton.

Capital Porto-Novo
Population 13.2 million
Area 112,622 km²
Languages French
Currency West African CFA franc (XOF)
GDP/Capita $1,485
Source: U.S. Department of State, Wikipedia, REST Countries API
Travel AdvisoryU.S. Department of State
Gov Data
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to heightened risks to safety and security.

Currency & Economy

Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange Rate
1 USD = 553.75 XOF
GDP
$21.5B
GDP per Capita
$1,485

Visa Fee Estimate

$185 USD 102,444 XOF
Based on current Treasury exchange rate

Development

Life Expectancy
60.8 years
Geography & Practical Details
Region
Africa
Capital
Porto-Novo
Area
112,622 km²
Population
13,224,860
Timezone
UTC+01:00
Languages
French
Calling Code
+229
Drives On
Right
ISO Code
BJ