Benin
Republic of Benin
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.62%
Benin is a Western Africa country of around 13.2 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 112,622 km², translating to a density of 117 people per km². Its capital is Porto-Novo, and French is the official language, while the West African CFA franc serves as the national currency.
Population
13,224,860
Area
112,622 km²
Density
117/km²
World Rank
#78
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 33.9 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 8.8 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 41.5% of the population is under 15, while only 3.1% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Porto-Novo
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- French
- Currencies
- West African CFA franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +229
- Top-Level Domain
- .bj
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 13,224,860
- Land Area
- 112,622 km²
- Population Density
- 117 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.62%
- Annual Growth
- +346,491 people
- Daily Growth
- +949 people
- World Population Share
- 0.16%
- Coordinates
- 9.50°, 2.25°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $1.5k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 1.6%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 34.4 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
60.8 years
GDP per Capita
$1,485
Birth Rate
33.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
8.8 per 1,000
Urban Population
52.5%
Fertility Rate
4.56 births/woman
Infant Mortality
46.4 per 1,000
Unemployment
1.6%
Literacy Rate
51.4%
Internet Users
32.2%
Under 15
41.5%
Over 65
3.1%
Health Spending
3.3% GDP
Gini Index
34.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
5.5M
15-64 years
7.3M
65+ years
413K
Urbanization
About 52.5% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Porto-Novo, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 7847.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
6.9M
52.5%
6.3M
47.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 60.8 years is below the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 46.4 per thousand live births, markedly lower than the global average. Literacy stands at 51.4%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Benin
Benin has 6 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Benin is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Benin participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 13,224,860 |
| 2030 | 14,590,662 |
| 2035 | 16,325,107 |
| 2040 | 18,080,812 |
| 2045 | 19,850,784 |
| 2050 | 21,630,526 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Benin.
Largest Cities in Benin
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Benin by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Benin?
The population of Benin is approximately 13.2 million as of 2026, making it #78 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Benin?
The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo.
What languages are spoken in Benin?
The main languages spoken in Benin are French.
How big is Benin?
Benin covers an area of 112,622 km² with a population density of 117 people per km².
Is Benin growing or shrinking?
Benin is growing at a rate of 2.62% per year, adding approximately 346,491 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Benin?
The average life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Benin?
The GDP per capita of Benin is $1,485.