Demographics of Benin

The demographics of Benin include many interesting facts about its people, such as how many live there, their ethnic backgrounds, their education and health, and their economic status. Benin has about 13.3 million people, and most of them live in the southern part of the country. The population is quite young, with an average life expectancy of 62 years.

Benin is home to about 42 different African ethnic groups. These groups settled in Benin at different times and have moved around within the country. Some of the main groups are the Yoruba in the southeast, who came from what is now Nigeria, the Dendi in the north-central area from Mali, and the Fon around Abomey. Other groups include the Bariba, Fula (or Fulani), Betammaribe, Somba, Mina, and Aja.

French is the official language of Benin, though it is spoken more often in cities than in rural areas. The ability to read and write is growing, with about 54% of adult men and 31% of adult women able to read as of 2018. In recent years, people from other African countries, such as Nigeria, Togo, and Mali, have moved to Benin. There are also communities of Lebanese, Indians, and Europeans who work in trade, aid, and other fields.

Several religions are practiced in Benin. About half of the people follow Traditional African religions, with practices that differ among ethnic groups. Islam was brought by Arab traders and is common in the north, while Christianity was introduced by European missionaries in the south and central areas. Today, about 20% of Benin's people are Muslim and 30% are Christian. Many people also continue to follow traditional African beliefs. It is thought that West African Vodun began in Benin and was later taken to places like Brazil and the Caribbean by enslaved people.

Population

Benin's population has grown a lot over the years. In 2021, the country had about 13 million people. In 1950, that number was just over 2 million. Most of the population is made up of young people, with many children and teenagers. Only a small part of the population is aged 65 or older.

Vital statistics

Benin does not fully record births and deaths. The United Nations has made estimates to help understand the population. These estimates consider that some people might not be counted in official counts.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects, 2022

Demographic and Health Surveys

Information about births and family planning includes details on how many children families have and the birth rate.

Fertility information from 2011-2012 is also available.

Life expectancy

Period	Life expectancy in years
1950–1955	33.72
1955–1960	36.13
1960–1965	38.42
1965–1970	40.87
1970–1975	43.48
1975–1980	46.22
1980–1985	48.30
1985–1990	51.92
1990–1995	55.14
1995–2000	54.96
2000–2005	56.18
2005–2010	58.56
2010–2015	59.93

Ethnic groups

Benin has many different groups of people who speak various languages from three big language families in Africa: Niger–Congo, Nilo-Saharan, and Afroasiatic. The Hausa people, who are part of the Afroasiatic family, mostly live in the north as traders. The Dɛndi people, from the Nilo-Saharan family, come from the old Songhai Empire and live along the Niger River in the far north.

The largest language family in Benin is Niger–Congo, which includes several groups. The Fon people are the biggest group, living mainly in the south around Cotonou and Abomey. Other groups include the Yoruba, who came from cities like Oyo and Ife, and the Bariba people in the north. There are also groups like the Aja, Fulani, and Gun, each with their own places and traditions.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Benin

Benin is a place where more than 50 languages are spoken. The main language used in schools and government is French. In the southern part of Benin, two important local languages are Fon and Yoruba. In the north, there are many languages too, such as Baatonum and Fulani.

Religion

Benin has many different religions. Some people follow Islam, while others are Catholic or Protestant. Many people also practice Ethnic Religion or Vodoun. There are also some people who do not follow any religion.

Different sources show slightly different numbers, but overall, Christianity and Islam are the most common religions in Benin, followed by traditional beliefs.