PEOPLE
The majority of Benin's 7.86 million people live in the south. The population is young, with a life expectancy of 53 years. About 42 African ethnic groups live in this country; these various groups settled in Benin at different times and also migrated within the country. Ethnic groups include the Yoruba in the southeast (migrated from Nigeria in the 12th century); the Dendi in the north-central area (they came from Mali in the 16th century); the Bariba and the Fulbe (Peul) in the northeast; the Betammaribe and the Somba in the Atacora Range; the Fon in the area around Abomey in the South Central and the Mina, Xueda, and Aja (who came from Togo) on the coast.
Recent
migrations have brought other African nationals to Benin that
include Nigerians, Togolese, and Malians. The foreign community
also includes many Lebanese and Indians involved in trade and
commerce. The personnel of the many European embassies and foreign
aid missions and of nongovernmental organizations and various
missionary groups account for a large number of the 5,500 European
population.
Several
religions are practiced in Benin. Animism is widespread (50%),
and its practices vary from one ethnic group to the other. Arab
merchants introduced Islam in the north and among the Yoruba.
European missionaries brought Christianity to the south and central
areas of Benin. Moslems account for 20% of the population and
Christians for 30%. Many nominal Moslems and Christians continue
to practice animistic traditions. It is believed that voodoo originated
in Benin and was introduced to Brazil and the Caribbean Islands
by slaves taken from this particular area of the Slave Coast.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Beninese (singular and plural).
Population (2007): 7.9 million.
Annual growth rate (2006 est.): 2.73%.
Ethnic groups: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, and Bariba),
Europeans 5,500.
Religions: Indigenous beliefs (animist) 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%.
Languages: French (official), Fon and Yoruba in the south; Nagot, Bariba and Dendi in the north.
Education (2007): Literacy--Total population 35%; men 48%, women 23%.
Health (2005): Infant mortality rate--89/1,000. Life expectancy--55 yrs.
Work force: The labor market is characterized by an increased reliance on informal employment, family helpers, and the use of apprentices. Training and job opportunities are not well matched.
