Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | BJ, BEN, 204 |
| Official Name | Republic of Benin |
| Continent | Africa |
| Capital | Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (seat of government) |
| Government Type | Presidential Republic |
| Currency | West African CFA franc (XOF) |
| Calling Code | +229 |
| Member Of | United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States |
| Population | Approx. 12 million (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | 114,763 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Mont Sokbaro (658 meters or 2,159 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Atlantic Ocean (0 meters or 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Approx. $1,200 (as of 2023) |
| Life Expectancy | Approx. 61 years (as of 2023) |
| Internet TLD | .bj |
Beninese National Anthem
L’Aube Nouvelle
Formerly, at her call, our ancestors
Knew no other response than that of duty
Without any spirit of hatred or animosity
They loved each other with brotherly love
Now, in peace, we want to build
Our country, with honest hands
Let us have a very strong belief in the future
Let us forget past grievances
Let us work for a happy future
For the happiness of our Homeland
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Beninese Flag
The flag of Benin, adopted on November 16, 1959, and re-adopted on August 1, 1990, after a brief period of change, is a symbol of the nation’s history, culture, and aspirations. The flag consists of two horizontal bands of yellow and red, with a green vertical band at the hoist.
The colors of the flag hold deep significance. Green symbolizes hope and revival, yellow represents the wealth of the country and the savannahs in the north, and red stands for the courage of the ancestors. The flag’s design reflects the Pan-African colors, which are common among many African nations and symbolize African unity and identity.
The flag was originally adopted in 1959 when Benin, then known as Dahomey, gained autonomy from France. However, in 1975, following a Marxist-Leninist coup, the country was renamed the People’s Republic of Benin, and the flag was changed to a green field with a red star in the top left corner. This flag symbolized the socialist and revolutionary ideals of the new government.
In 1990, Benin transitioned back to a multi-party system and reinstated the original flag from 1959. This change marked a return to the country’s original values and symbolism. The restoration of the flag was a significant moment in Benin’s history, representing a move away from socialist ideology and a return to democratic governance and the principles of national unity and independence.
Today, the flag is a source of pride for Beninese citizens, representing their nation’s rich cultural heritage, historical struggles, and aspirations for the future. It symbolizes the unity and resilience of Benin in the face of past challenges and its ongoing commitment to growth and development.