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Beninese Scorecard

Country profile

Benin is located in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea, characterized by coastal plains, savannas, and a rich tapestry of traditional kingdoms. It has a population of 14.1 million, a population growth rate of 2.52%, and a median age of 17.77 years.

Historically, it was home to the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey, and its cultural heritage is steeped in indigenous traditions and religious practices like Vodun.

Today, Benin is focused on economic development and cultural preservation, promoting its history through festivals, art, and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Its capital city is Porto-Novo.

How does Benin compare to other countries?

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Economic Development

GDP per Capita (PPP) in Benin improved by 7.4% from 2022 to 2023

Unemployment Rate in Benin worsened by 3.9% from 2023 to 2024

Inflation Rate in Benin worsened by 102.2% from 2022 to 2023

Income Inequality in Benin improved by 9.2% from 2018 to 2021

Health and Social Development

Life Expectancy in Benin improved by 0.5% from 2022 to 2023

Infant Mortality Rate in Benin improved by 2.7% from 2022 to 2023

Human Development showed no change from 2021 to 2022

Suicide Mortality Rate in Benin worsened by 3.3% from 2020 to 2021

World Happiness Report in Benin improved by 0.1% from 2022 to 2023

Freedom in the World in Benin worsened by 1.6% from 2023 to 2024

Education

Completion of Upper Secondary Education in Benin improved by 65.4% from 2021 to 2022

Governance and Security

Corruption Perception showed no change from 2022 to 2023

Control of Corruption in Benin improved by 44.4% from 2022 to 2023

Insufficient data to determine improvement.

Government Effectiveness in Benin worsened by 28.4% from 2022 to 2023

Political Stability in Benin worsened by 2.9% from 2022 to 2023

Rule of Law in Benin improved by 15.1% from 2022 to 2023

Voice and Accountability in Benin improved by 34.8% from 2022 to 2023

Environmental Sustainability and Energy

CO2 Emissions per Capita in Benin improved by 4.8% from 2022 to 2023

Air Pollution (PM2.5) in Benin worsened by 9.6% from 2019 to 2020

Renewable Energy Consumption in Benin improved by 18.0% from 2020 to 2021