BENIN

The Republic of Benin, is a country in Western Africa, formerly known as Dahomey or Dahomania. It borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north; its short coastline to the south leads to the Bight of Benin. Its capital is Porto Novo, but the seat of government is Cotonou.


Capital:
- Porto Novo1
Area:
- Total: 112,622 km² (101st) 43,483 sq mi
- Water (%):1.8
Independence:
- from France: August 1, 1960
Official languages:
- French
Population:
- July 2005 estimate: 8,439,0002 (89th)
- 2002 census: 6,769,914
- Density : 75/km² (118th3) 194/sq mi