Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, is one of Africa's most stable democracies.
• Full name: The Republic of Benin
• Population: 9.2 million (UN, 2010)
• Capital: Porto-Novo
• Area: 112,622 sq km (43,484 sq miles)
• Major languages: French (official) Fon, Ge, Bariba, Yoruba, Dendi
• Major religions: Indigenous beliefs, Christianity, Islam
• Life expectancy: 62 years (men), 65 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc = 100 centimes
• Main exports: Cotton, palm oil
• GNI per capita: US $750 (World Bank, 2009)
• Internet domain: .bj
• International dialling code: +229
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/52110000/gif/_52110984_benin.gif)
It boasts a proliferation of political parties and a strong civil society.
On the economic side, however, the picture is less bright - Benin is severely underdeveloped, and corruption is rife.
Benin's shore includes what used to be known as the Slave Coast, from where captives were shipped across the Atlantic. Elements of the culture and religion brought by slaves from the area are still present in the Americas, including voodoo.
Once banned in Benin, the religion is celebrated at the country's annual Voodoo Day, which draws thousands of celebrants.
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13037572)