The Republic of Benin
Capital: Porto-Novo
Population: 9.4 million
Land area: 112,622 sq km (43,484 sq miles)
Major languages: French (official) Fon, Ge, Bariba, Yoruba, Dendi
Major religions: Indigenous beliefs, Christianity, Islam
Life expectancy: 55 years (men), 59 years (women)
Currency: 1 CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc
Source: UN, World Bank, BBC