Benin: flag, capital, currency and history
Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in Western Africa, Africa. Its capital is Porto-Novo. The currency is the West African CFA franc. Languages spoken include French.
Quick facts about Benin
- Official name
- Republic of Benin
- Capital
- Porto-Novo
- Region
- Africa, Western Africa
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF, Fr)
- Languages
- French
- Calling code
- +229
- Internet domain
- .bj
- Area
- 112,622 km² (43,484 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Togo
- Demonym
- Beninese
- National day
- Independence Day, August 1
Flag of Benin
Download the flag of Benin as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇧🇯.
History of Benin
Before colonial rule, the area of present-day Benin was home to several kingdoms, including Allada, Porto-Novo and the Kingdom of Dahomey, which became a major regional power. French forces defeated Dahomey in the 1890s, and the territory was incorporated into French West Africa as the colony of Dahomey. The country became independent on 1 August 1960. After a series of coups, a Marxist-Leninist government took power in 1972 and renamed the state the People's Republic of Benin in 1975. A national conference in 1990 ended one-party rule, and the country adopted its present name in 1990.
Key dates
- 17th centuryThe Kingdom of Dahomey emerges in the region.
- 1894France defeats Dahomey and establishes the colony of Dahomey.
- 1960Dahomey becomes independent from France on 1 August.
- 1972A military coup brings Mathieu Kerekou to power.
- 1975The country is renamed the People's Republic of Benin.
- 1990A national conference ends one-party rule and the country becomes the Republic of Benin.
- 1991Multiparty elections are held under a new constitution.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Benin
Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF, Fr). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Benin?
The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo.
What currency does Benin use?
Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF, symbol Fr).
What languages are spoken in Benin?
Languages used in Benin include French.
What is the calling code of Benin?
The international calling code of Benin is +229. Its internet domain is .bj.
Which countries border Benin?
Benin shares land borders with Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and Togo.
On which continent is Benin?
Benin is in Africa, in the region of Western Africa.
What is the national day of Benin?
Benin marks Independence Day on August 1.
Neighbours of Benin
More countries in Western Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).