• The Republic of Benin is a west African country on the Bight of Benin bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

• 1. Capital: Porto Novo
  2. Government: Multiparty democracy
  3. Independence from France: August 1, 1960
  4. Population: 8,439,000 (2005) Est
  5. Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
  6. Official Languages: French
  7. Religion: Christian, Muslim, Vodoun
  8. Time Zone: West Africa Time (UTC +1)
  9. International Dialing Code: +229
  10. Internet TLD: .bj
  11. Motto: "Ubumwe, Ibikorwa, Iterambere" (Unity, Work, Progress)
  12. Anthem: Burundi bwacu
  13. Area: 43,483 square miles

• A Post-Colonial Success Story

  After independence from France, Berin was ruled by a series of military and Marxist governments until 1989, when the transition to a representative government began. In 1991, democratic elections were held, marking the first time a post-colonial African nation successfully transformed itself into a representative democracy.

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