The Benin economy is somewhat underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production and regional trade. To facilitate growth, the country 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.

Name Republic of Benin

Capital Porto-Novo, Cotonou (seat of government)

Frequency of elections Every five years

Name of parliament National Assembly

Parliament website www.gouv.bj

Languages French, Fon and Yoruba, indigenous languages

Area 112 622 km²

Population 10 160 556 (July 2014 est)

Imports Foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products

Exports Cotton, cashews, shea butter, textiles, palm products, seafood

Currency Communauté Financière Africaine franc

Source: CIA World Factbook
Image: Greatstock/Corbis