Gilad James, PhD
Published:
Total Pages: 68
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Benin is a small country in West Africa, bordered by Nigeria to the east, Togo to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Formerly called Dahomey, the country achieved independence from France in 1960. Benin is known for its diverse culture, including the Yoruba, Fon, Adja, and Bariba peoples, as well as its rich history, which includes the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey, which existed from the 17th to the 19th century. The country has a mix of religions, including indigenous African religions, Christianity, and Islam, and its official language is French. Benin's economy is largely based on agriculture, with most of the population engaged in subsistence farming. Key crops include cotton, yams, cassava, and maize. The country also has some mineral resources, although they are not fully exploited. In recent years, Benin has made progress in boosting economic growth and reducing poverty, although it remains one of the poorest countries in the world.