15 Facts About Benin Most People Get Wrong
Benin is home to 13.3M people across 112,622 km², making it a country whose population is spread fairly evenly across its territory. It ranks 1st in the world for Voodoo.
Below are 15 facts about Benin, covering history, geography, economy and culture, including several that regularly surprise people who think they already know the country.
15 Facts About Benin
A complete overview of Benin's history, geography, economy and culture, covering everything from population and borders to language, climate and travel.
Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo religion.
Ganvié, the Venice of Africa, is a stilt village of 20,000 people on a lake.
The ancient Kingdom of Dahomey was one of West Africa's most powerful states.
Benin hosts one of Africa's largest Voodoo festivals every January.
Benin is located in West Africa, Africa, with its capital city in Porto-Novo.
The population of Benin is approximately 13.3M, spread across 112,622 km² of territory.
Benin has a population density of 118/km²: a moderate density for its region.
Benin has a coastline of 121 km, giving it access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism.
Benin shares land borders with 4 countries: Togo, Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso.
The official language of Benin is French.
Benin uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF) as its official currency.
Benin gained independence in 1960, establishing itself as a sovereign nation in West Africa.
The total GDP of Benin is $17.8B, with a GDP per capita of $1,338, classifying it as a developing economy.
Benin has a tropical, two dry seasons climate, with the best time to visit being November–March.
Benin is considered a Budget destination for travellers, with meals averaging $2–5.
Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo religion, which spread to Haiti and the Americas through the slave trade. Ganvié, built on stilts over Lake Nokoué, is home to 20,000 people and is called the Venice of Africa.
🏆 Benin World Rankings
Benin holds several notable world rankings; here is how it compares globally:
Famous Places in Benin
Benin is home to several remarkable landmarks and destinations that draw visitors from around the world:
🏘️ Ganvié Stilt Village
The Venice of Africa, 20,000 people living in houses built on stilts over Lake Nokoué
🏯 Royal Palaces of Abomey
UNESCO palaces of the powerful Dahomey Kingdom, adorned with bas-relief history
🐍 Ouidah Voodoo Temple
Center of Voodoo worship in the birthplace of the religion, with the Python Temple
🦁 Pendjari National Park
One of West Africa's best wildlife parks, lions, elephants, hippos and cheetahs
Frequently Asked Questions About Benin
What is Benin famous for?
Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo religion, which spread to Haiti and the Americas through the slave trade. Ganvié, built on stilts over Lake Nokoué, is home to 20,000 people and is called the Venice of Africa.
What is the capital of Benin?
The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo.
What is the population of Benin?
Benin has a population of approximately 13.3M as of 2026.
What language do they speak in Benin?
The official language of Benin is French.
When did Benin become an independent country?
Benin gained independence in 1960.
What currency does Benin use?
Benin uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF).
What is the GDP of Benin?
Benin has a GDP of $17.8B, with a GDP per capita of $1,338.
Where is Benin located?
Benin is located in West Africa, Africa.
Is Benin safe to visit?
Safety conditions in Benin vary by region. Always check your government's official travel advisory before visiting.
What are some fun facts about Benin?
Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo religion. Ganvié, the Venice of Africa, is a stilt village of 20,000 people on a lake. The ancient Kingdom of Dahomey was one of West Africa's most powerful states.
What are some interesting facts about Benin?
Ganvié, the Venice of Africa, is a stilt village of 20,000 people on a lake. The ancient Kingdom of Dahomey was one of West Africa's most powerful states. Benin hosts one of Africa's largest Voodoo festivals every January.
Benin facts: what should I know?
Benin is a country in West Africa with a population of 13.3M. Its capital is Porto-Novo and its official language is French. Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo religion.
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