Is Benin a rich country?

Benin is a small, mostly rural country on Africa's west coast. It has nearly 11 million people and around half live on less than a dollar a day. The relatively new nation is among the world's poorest countries.

Is Benin a rich or poor country?

While the country has experienced economic growth over the past few years and is one of Africa's largest cotton producers, it ranks among the world's poorest countries.

What is Benin rich in?

Cotton accounts for 40% of Benin's GDP and roughly 80% of official export receipts. There is also production of textiles, palm products, and cocoa beans. Maize (corn), beans, rice, peanuts, cashews, pineapples, cassava, yams, and other various tubers are grown for local subsistence.

Was Benin a poor country?

Once the site of Dahomey, a West African kingdom that thrived because of its involvement in the slave trade, Benin has been stricken by widespread poverty since gaining independence from France in 1960. Though Benin has a relatively stable democratic government, it remains one of the poorest countries in Africa.

Why is Benin in poverty?

Some of the root causes of poverty in Benin include a vulnerable agricultural sector which employs 45 to 55 percent of the population, inequality in education and the economic gender gap. Benin relies heavily on its agricultural sector for both economic development and food security.

Is Benin a rich or poor country?

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.

What is the poorest country in Africa?

Based on the per capita GDP and GNI values from 2020, Burundi ranks as the poorest country in not only Africa, but also the world. The second-poorest country in Africa, Somalia, holds the same distinction. In fact, this pattern carries through much of the list.

Is Benin richer than Nigeria?

Nigeria has a GDP per capita of $5,900 as of 2017, while in Benin, the GDP per capita is $2,300 as of 2017.

How safe is Benin?

OVERALL RISK : HIGH. 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 the biggest problem in Benin?

The main environmental issues facing the people of Benin are desertification, deforestation, wildlife endangerment, and water pollution. The spread of the desert into agricultural lands in the north is accelerated by regular droughts.

Is Benin a developed nation?

Least Developed Country Category: Benin Profile | Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

What is the poverty rate in Benin?

Poverty rate at national poverty line of Benin slipped by 3.99 % from 40.1 % in 2015 to 38.5 % in 2019. Since the 2.84 % improve in 2011, poverty rate at national poverty line jumped by 6.35 % in 2019.

What is voodoo in Benin?

In Benin, worshippers of Voodoo, a religion that worships gods and natural spirits, have gathered to pay their respects to the deities. The meeting takes place on the beach in Ouidah, a former slave trading hub, by the Atlantic Ocean. Mami Wata is the most revered deity.

Is Benin a good place to live?

Benin is a small country situated under the elephant's ear in West Africa. It is one of the safer countries in Africa, especially when compared with its neighbor, Nigeria. Most expats, and there are only a few, settle in the country's largest city – which is not the capital surprisingly – Cotonou.

Is Benin visa free to Canada?

Canada tourist visa is required for Beninese citizens. The stay is usually short with a period of 180 days and visa expires in 180 days. Applicant is required to be present when applying for Canada tourist visa. A total of 12 documents are required for applying Canada tourist visa.

Does Benin allow dual citizenship?

In an effort to eliminate statelessness, Benin allows dual nationality if the person obtained authorization for the acquisition of additional nationality.

How does Benin make money?

Economic Overview

Benin's economy is still reliant on agriculture and on formal and informal reexport and transit trade with Nigeria. The economy rebounded strongly in 2021, growing at an estimated 6.6%. The services and construction sectors were the main drivers of this growth.

Which country is best in Africa?

As of 2021, Egypt was considered the best country in Africa based on its performance in key attributes, namely adventure, agility, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, movers, open for business, power, social purpose, and quality of life. The country ranked as 33rd best country in the world.

Is Benin bigger than Lagos?

Benin City is the capital, and largest city of Edo State in southern Nigeria. It is the fourth-largest city in Nigeria after Lagos, Kano and Ibadan, with a total population of 1,782,000 as of 2021.

Is Nigeria poor or rich?

In 2018, Nigeria surpassed India as the world's poverty capital, with around 87 million people living in extreme poverty, compared with India's 73 million. However, according to the WPC, the latest statistics of Nigerians living in extreme poverty was pegged at (70,677, 758) representing 33 per cent of the population.

Is Nigeria a rich country?

With a GDP just over $510 billion, Nigeria holds the position of the richest country in Africa. The sizeable GDP is mainly driven by finance, transport, infrastructure, tourism, and an abundance of crude oil.

Which currency is the highest in Africa?

The Tunisian Dinar is the strongest currency in Africa and one of the best-performing currencies globally. It ranks first for being most stable against foreign inflation rates and having low volatility compared to other currencies.

Why was the kingdom of Benin so wealthy?

In the early modern era, Benin was also heavily involved in the West African slave trade. They would capture men, women, and children from rival peoples and sell them into slavery to European and American buyers. This trade provided a significant source of wealth for the kingdom.