Benin
Country statistics · 1990–present
Benin at a Glance
Benin is home to 14.5 million people as of 2024, with a population that is growing very rapidly. At a GDP per capita of $2,118, it is a low-income economy — reflecting an economy where significant development opportunity remains. Life expectancy at birth stands at 61.0 years, well below the global average, reflecting ongoing public health challenges.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 14.5 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 33.4 and a death rate of 8.7 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at 24.7 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly 357,000 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Benin is a small economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $36 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $2,118 per person, it is classified as a low-income economy — reflecting an economy where significant development opportunity remains. Real GDP growth is projected at 6.5% in 2029, representing strong expansion.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 61.0 years (2024), well below the global average, reflecting ongoing public health challenges. Current health expenditure per person is $47 (2023), representing very low per-capita healthcare spending, a common constraint in lower-income economies. The adult literacy rate stands at 51.4% (2022), reflecting literacy rates that remain a key development focus. 34.0% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating limited internet penetration, with significant scope for digital expansion. Access to safe drinking water reaches 17.7% of the population (2024), representing limited safe drinking water access, a significant public health priority.