Benin-+Robert+Domer




 * Population**- 9056010


 * Capital**- Porto-Novo

Longitude: 2.37
 * Location**- Latitude 6.29

Above ocean and below Niger
 * Borders-** Between Togo and Nigeria

62 female
 * Life expectancy**- 60 male


 * Area**- square miles- 43,482


 * Currency**- CFA Franc

Government- Benin is a multiparty democracy. The president (currently Thomas Yayi Boni) is head of state and head of government and is directly elected to a five-year term. The National Assembly has 83 members, elected to four-year terms. The voting age is 18. More than 50 political parties are active in Benin, but only a handful have legislative representation. While the government works to unite the country, regional politics remain important.
 * Climate**- It is higher in elevation and has a drier climate. Most rain falls between June and September.Between November and February, the dry harmattan winds blow from north to south to moderate the hot temperatures. Without the wind the tempuratures reach their peak in march and april, exceeding 100 degress farinheit.The lower-lying south has tropical forests and experiences four seasons: a long rainy season between March and July, followed by a short hot season until September; and a short rainy season to November, followed by a long hot season until March. The climate in southern Benin is cooler but more humid than in the north. On the coast, high temperatures stay beween 77 and 82°F year-round.


 * Language-** French


 * Terrian-** Rooling hills and plains dominate the landscape.


 * Religion-** christianity has be present since the 17th centry but belief systems such as animism and voodoo permeate the country's culture.


 * Backround-** Benin was one of the most powerful kindoms in te Nigerian rainforest. It was founded in the 13th century and was at its peak during the reign of king ewuare the Great. Benin survivd until 1897, when it was conquered by Great Britian. Visit Benin to see some of the most brilliant art and craftsmenship in West Africa. The modern country of benin is nameed after this kingdom, but it is not related to it


 * Ethnic Groups**- There are about 42 ethnic groups, they include Yoruba, Denli, Bariba, Betammaribe, Fon and Mina


 * Suffrage**- 18 years of age


 * Gdp**- Cotton makes up 40% of gdp


 * Agricultural Products**- palm products, cocoa beans, corn, beans, rice, peanuts, cashews, pineapples, yams, and more.


 * Imports**- Foods, capital goods, and petroleum products.


 * Natural resources**- small off shore oil deposits, limeston, marble, timber

permanent crops- 2.4% other- 79.52%
 * Land use**- arable land - 18.08%


 * Enviromental issues-** inadequate supplies of potable water, poaching threatens wildlife, deforestation, desertification.


 * Leader**- Thomas Yayi Boni


 * Education**- New facilities have been built for higher learning and to steer away from french. The drop out rate is high. Most students are boys.


 * Independence-** 1960

1652- Dahomey ws established 1893- Dahomey was annexed by French 1904- Incorporated into French West Africa 1958- Became an autonomous republic within french community 1960- Dahomey was granted independence 1963- General Christopher Soglo deposed first president 1965- Soglo dismissed the civialian government pronouncing himself chief of state 1974-1989- Embraced socialism 1989- Changed name to Benin 1990- Moved toward multiparty democracy, changed name to Republic of Benin.
 * Timeline**