 |
 Login |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Government Type |
republic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991 |
| Legal System |
based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
| Currency |
Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States |
| Economic Overview |
The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output has averaged a stable 5% in the past six years, but rapid population rise has offset much of this increase. Inflation has subsided over the past several years. In order to raise growth still further, Benin plans to attract more foreign investment, place more emphasis on tourism, facilitate the development of new food processing systems and agricultural products, and encourage new information and communication technology. The 2001 privatization policy should continue in telecommunications, water, electricity, and agriculture in spite of initial government reluctance. The Paris Club and bilateral creditors have eased the external debt situation, while pressing for speeded-up structural reforms. |
| Natural Resources |
small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber |
| Primary Industries |
textiles, food processing, chemical production, construction materials (2001) |
| Agricultural Products |
cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, livestock (2001) |
| Import Commodities |
foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products |
| Export Commodities |
cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa |
| Export Partners |
India 21%, Italy 13%, Thailand 12%, Brazil 8% (2001) |
| AIRPORTS of Benin |
| Cotonou Airport |
Cotonou 5km (3miles), Position 06°21´14"N, 002°23´06"E |
Detals |
|
|
|
