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Benin

Population

About country profiles

The country profiles are intended to provide some background and context for the descriptions of the churches. These profiles should be read in conjunction with those of the churches in the country.

Click here for the sources of the statistical data

*:
7,103,140
Surface area:112,600 km2
Capital:Cotonou
GNI per capita:440 US$
Classification:Least developed country
Languages:

French

Religions:

African traditional: 42.00%

Christian: 38.00%

Muslim: 20.00%

Christianity:

Catholics: 1,750,000

Protestants: 621,200

Independent: 333,930

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The Benin of today was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century on what was known as the Slave Coast, one of the primary supply centres of slaves to the European traders. In 1872 Dahomey became part of French West Africa and the Republic of Benin achieved independence in 1960. A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the establishment of a government based on Marxist principles. Multi-party democracy was introduced in 1991. The economy of Benin is still largely based on subsistence agriculture. As in most former French colonies, the Catholic Church is the majority church. The Protestant Methodist Church is a member of the WCC. The largest Protestant denomination is the Assemblies of God, and there are several other sizeable Pentecostal and Evangelical churches. A Council of Protestant Evangelical Churches has been in existence, but was no longer functioning in 2005. The Federation of Evangelical Churches and Missions, another grouping, is affiliated with the WEA.

 

Ecumenical Organizations and Councils

    WCC member churches based in Benin

    WCC member churches present in Benin

    Note: The list of churches present in countries is still in development.

    Last updated: 01/01/06 

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