See youremailverifier for Benin social condition facts.
Benin’s elongated shape is the result of the arbitrary colonial drawing of borders. Natural beauties, world cultural heritage sites, unique architecture and the peaceful coexistence of different peoples and cultures arouse curiosity about this diverse country on the West African…
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Migration movements About 47% of the country’s population lives in cities. Population growth and increasing poverty are driving more and more people from their structurally weak villages to the cities. In particular, the outlying communities of the Cotonou agglomeration, such…
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Alphabetized adults: 38.4% (2015, estimated) Major religions: Christianity 48.5%, Islam 27.7%, Vodoun 11.6% Urban population: 46.8% (2017, BM) Life expectancy (female / male): 62.7 / 59.6 years (2017, UNDP) Gender Inequality Index: Rank 146 out of 160 (2017), 148 out…
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Media landscape The media landscape in Benin is very heterogeneous and, thanks to a liberal press law and its largely equally liberal interpretation, enjoys great political leeway. The state supported the press with up to 350 million francs CFA annually….
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Stay healthy You should seek medical advice about the current travel medical information about Benin before you leave. You must be vaccinated against yellow fever to enter Benin. Discuss other possible vaccinations with a tropical medicine specialist. It is recommended…
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Everyday life Everyday life in Benin’s larger cities is very different from life in the countryside. Supermarkets, doctors and schools with western standards can be found in Cotonou as well as traffic chaos and higher crime. In the country it…
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Currency: Franc CFA BCEAO (XOF) Exchange rate: 656 per € (fixed exchange rate) Time zone: UTC + 1 Country code (phone): +229 Climate (for capital): Equatorial climate Entry and residence requirements A visa is required for German citizens to enter…
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As for religious affiliation, the figures vary depending on the source. In addition, there is the fact, which seems strange to us, that for many Beniners it is not a contradiction to be a Christian or a Muslim and at…
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Music The music scene in Benin is broad and has produced some successful artists who are also known outside the country. El Rego is one of the fathers of funk in Benin and inspired the band Poly-Rythmo. The ‘Le Tout…
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Arts According to franciscogardening, Benin can boast a whole range of contemporary artists, some of whom are well known beyond Benin’s borders and are represented at important exhibitions and biennials around the world. An important event is the Cotonou Biennale,…
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