Benin Statistics

Population                       

8.7 million

Population annual growth rate

3.0%                                   

Urban population

41%

Major ethnic and linguistic groups

Fon and related 39.2%, Adja and related 15.2%, Yoruba and related 12.3%, Bariba and related 9.2%, Peulh and related 7%, Ottamari and related 6.1%, Yoa-Lokpa and related 4%, Dendi and related 2.5%, other 1.6% (includes Europeans), unspecified 2.9%

Languages

French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)

Religion

Christian 42.8% (Catholic 27.1%, Celestial 5%, Methodist 3.2%, other Protestant 2.2%, other 5.3%), Muslim 24.4%, Vodoun 17.3%, other 15.5%

Life expectancy (at birth)

56 years

Infant mortality (under one)

88 per 1,000 live births

Under five mortality

148 per 1,000 live births

Maternal mortality rate

500 per 100,000 live births

Adult HIV prevalence rate (ages 15-49)

1.8%

Percentage population with access to safe drinking water

67%

Adult literacy rate

35%

Gross Domestic Product (US$ billions)

4.8

Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (US$)

540

Proportion of population living on below $1 a day

31%