Is Benin a poor country?

Is Benin a poor country?

Though Benin has a relatively stable democratic government, it remains one of the poorest countries in Africa. ... Benin's economy is vulnerable not only because it is based primarily on agriculture but also because re-export trade with Nigeria makes up roughly 20 percent of its GDP.

What is Benin famous for?

Benin City has long been famous for its “bronzes”—actually brass work, some of which is said to date from the 13th century—and for its ivory and wood carvings. Its museum (1960) has a notable collection of some of the kingdom's early pieces.

Is Benin safe?

Benin is considered a friendly and peaceful country, and though its people really are nice and welcoming, you should be aware of the fact that petty theft, violent crimes and fraud as well as scams are rife in this country.

What is Benin now called?

Republic of Benin The country's name was officially changed to the Republic of Benin on , after the newly formed government's constitution was completed.

What is voodoo in Benin?

Voodoo is completely normal in Benin. ... The Voodoo spiritual world consists of Mahou, the supreme being and about 100 divinities - or Voodoos - who represent different phenomena, such as war and blacksmiths (Gou), illness, healing and earth (Sakpata), storms, lightning and justice (Heviosso) or water (Mami Wata).

Is Benin richer than Nigeria?

Nigeria has a GDP per capita of $5,9, while in Benin, the GDP per capita is $2,3.

Do they speak English in Benin?

A total of 55 languages are spoken in Benin, with 50 being indigenous....

Languages of Benin
National	Fon, Yom, Yoruba
Foreign	English French Spanish Arabic Portuguese
Signed	American Sign Language (Francophone African Sign Language)

When did Slavery stop in Benin?

The trade largely stopped by the end of the 19th century, but Benin never fully confronted what had happened. The kingdoms that captured and sold slaves still exist today as tribal networks, and so do the groups that were raided.

Who created voodoo?

Voudon originated with slaves who combined elements of their West African traditions and beliefs with the Roman Catholicism imposed upon them by their masters in a process called syncretism.

Is voodoo practiced in UK?

London has become a major centre for voodoo rituals using children trafficked from Africa, a United Nations watchdog has said. ... “They are used in so-called voodoo rituals, and are also raped and sexually abused.

What was Benin used to be called?

• A country with a difficult history that survived the colonial period and only gained its independence in 1960. By the way, the Republic of Benin used to be called the Republic of Dahomey, but since achieving independence, it was decided to rename the country.

Does Benin have any former names?

• Benin's former name, until 1975, was Dahomey . Benin has a population of 10 million people (in 2013), Porto-Novo, a port on an inlet of the Gulf of Guinea is the nations capital city, largest city and economic capital is Cotonou. Spoken languages are French (official), Fon and Yoruba.

What should I know about Benin?

• About Benin. Benin is a West African country officially known as the Republic of Benin. ...
• Name. The country was known as Dahomey during the colonial period and in early independence. ...
• History. The Kingdom of Dahomey consisted of ethnic groups based in the Abomey plain. ...
• Politics. ...
• Departments and Communes. ...
• Geography. ...
• Economy. ...
• Demographics. ...
• Health. ...
• Culture. ...

What is the official religion of Benin?

• Official language of Benin is French. However, indigenous languages such as Fon and Yoruba are commonly spoken. The largest religious group in Benin is Roman Catholicism, followed closely by Islam, Vodun and Protestantism.