COUNTRY

Benin

Capital:

Cotonou

Currency:

West African CFA franc (XOF)

Population:

12,996,895 (2021)

Official language(s):

French

Ancient kingdom(s):

Kingdom of Dahomey (1625-1894 CE), Kingdom of Xogbonou (1794-1908 CE), Kingdom of Allada (estimated 12th century to 1724 CE)

Independence:

August 1, 1960