Demographics of Benin

The demographics of Benin include facts about its people, such as how many live there, their ethnic backgrounds, and their education and health.

Benin has about 13.3 million people, and most live in the southern part of the country. The population is 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. 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 in cities than in rural areas. 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 and aid.

Several religions are practiced in Benin. About half of the people follow Traditional African religions. Islam is common in the north, while Christianity is found in the south and central areas. Many people also follow traditional African beliefs. It is thought that West African Vodun began in Benin.

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 people are young, with many children and teenagers. Only a few people are aged 65 or older.

Vital statistics

Benin does not fully record all births and deaths. The United Nations has made estimates to help understand the population. These estimates help count everyone, even people who might be missed.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects, 2022

Demographic and Health Surveys

We have information about births and family planning. This includes 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. 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 people speak more than 50 languages. The main language used in schools and government is French. In the south, two important local languages are Fon and Yoruba. In the north, there are many languages, 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. Some people do not follow any religion.

Christianity and Islam are the most common religions in Benin, followed by traditional beliefs.