The Benin economy is somewhat underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production and regional trade. To facilitate growth, the country plans to attract more foreign investment, place more emphasis on tourism, facilitate the development of new food processing systems and agricultural products, and encourage new information and communication technology.
Name Republic of Benin
Capital Porto-Novo, Cotonou (seat of government)
Frequency of elections Every five years
Name of parliament National Assembly
Parliament website www.gouv.bj
Languages French, Fon and Yoruba, indigenous languages
Area 112 622 km2
Population 10 448 647 (July 2015 est)
Imports Foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products
Exports Cotton, cashews, shea butter, textiles, palm products, seafood
Currency Communauté Financière Africaine franc
