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Location: West Africa Official name: Republic of Benin Formation (date of independence / date current borders were established): 1960 / 1960 Capital city: Porto-Novo Population: 9.2 million / 215 people per sq mile (83 people per sq km) Total land area: 43,483 square miles (112,620 square km) Language(s) spoken: Fon, Bariba, Yoruba, Adja, Houeda, Somba, …
The CFA franc, used in 14 African countries, is divided into two variants (XOF and XAF) backed by the French Treasury, ensuring stability but raising debates over economic sovereignty. For a detailed description, click on the article title.
The Community of Democracies (CD), established in 2000, promotes and upholds democratic principles through cooperation among its member states. It focuses on free elections, the rule of law, and civil society empowerment. For a detailed description, click on the article title.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) promotes regional integration, economic growth, and stability across its 15 member states. For a detailed description, click on the article title.
The Franc Zone, a 1960s monetary union across 10M sq km, links 15 nations and France, balancing stability and sovereignty debates. For a detailed description, click on the article title.
The Group of 77 (G-77), formed in 1964, unites developing countries to promote economic cooperation, equitable trade, and collective negotiation in global forums. For a detailed description, click on the article title.
(LDCs) The world’s poorer countries.
Population estimates from the US Bureau of the Census are based on statistics from population censuses, vital statistics registration systems, or sample surveys about the recent past and assumptions about future trends.