Description flag of Benin
two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom) with a vertical green band on the hoist side
Local names
Republique du Benin (long)
Benin (short)
Nationality
Beninese (singular and plural) (noun) Benin (adjective)
Languages spoken
French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)
Capital
Porto-Novo (official capital)
Population
8,532,547 ranked 93, (data 2008)
Geography
sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural harbors, river mouths, or islands. The lowest point is Atlantic Ocean 0 m.
Land borders
1,989km, Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km.
Administrative divisions
12 departments; Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou
Independence
1 August 1960 (from France)