Benin Passport

The Republic of Benin (La R é publique du B é nin).

【 Area 】 112622 square kilometers.

Population: 13.4 million (2022). There are over 60 tribes in total, mainly including the Feng, Aja, Yoruba, Baliba, Otamari, and Pall tribes. The official language is French. The widely used languages in the country are Feng language, Yoruba language, and Paliba language. Among the residents, Christians account for about 53% (of which 25.5% are Catholics), and Muslims account for about 24%. The main traditional religion is Vodou, which accounts for about 18%. Benin is considered the center of world fetishism (Vodou), and traditional religions have a deep influence in various aspects of society.

【 Capital 】 Porto Novo, the location of the National Assembly. Cotonou, the seat of government.

Head of State: President Patrice Athanase Guillaume Talon, elected in March 2016, re elected in April 2021, and inaugurated in May.

Independence Day: August 1st (also known as National Day)

【 Overview 】 Located in central southern West Africa, it borders Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso and Niger to the northwest and northeast, Togo to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The coastline is 125 kilometers long. The coastal plain has a tropical rainforest climate, with temperatures ranging from 20-34 ℃ throughout the year, with the highest reaching 42 ℃; The central and northern regions have a tropical grassland climate with an average annual temperature of 26-27 ℃.

Around the 16th century, many small kingdoms and emirates emerged in Benin. In the 18th century, the peak of the Kingdom of Apomi unified the southern and central regions. In the late 16th century, Western colonizers invaded Bay and engaged in extensive slave trade. In 1904, Bay was incorporated into French West Africa and became a French colony in 1913. In 1958, it became an "autonomous republic" within the French Community. On August 1, 1960, it gained independence and established the Republic of Dahomey. The political situation was turbulent in the early stages of independence. In October 1972, Mathieu Kerekou staged a coup and declared the "socialist development path", implementing a one party system for a long time. On November 30, 1975, the country's name was changed to the People's Republic of Benin. In February 1990, a multi-party system was implemented, and in March, the country's name was changed to the Republic of Benin. In March 1991, Nic é phore Soglo won the first multi-party general election and was elected president. In March 1996, Kreku defeated Soglo in the general election and regained power. He was re elected in March 2001. In March 2006, independent candidate and former West African Development Bank President Thomas Boni Yayi won the general election and was re elected in March 2011. In March 2016, independent candidate Talon won the new presidential election and was re elected in April 2021.

After taking office, Talon vigorously promoted political and economic reforms, actively punished corruption, and achieved certain results. In April 2019, a new parliamentary election was held in Bey, which caused tension due to opposition boycotts. In April 2021, a new presidential election was held, and President Talon was re elected and inaugurated in May.

The current constitution was passed by a referendum on December 2, 1990, and is the seventh constitution in the history of Benin. It was revised in November 2019. The Constitution stipulates the establishment of a country with a rule of law and democratic pluralism, implementing the principle of separation of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches and a presidential cabinet system. The President is the Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of 5 years, and may be re elected once.

The National Assembly, also known as the National Assembly, is the highest legislative body and operates under a unicameral system. It exercises legislative power and supervises the work of the government. According to the Constitution, members of parliament are elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of four years and may be re elected, but are not allowed to hold other public positions. The current (9th) parliament will be elected on January 8, 2023, with a total of 109 members, including 53 members from the Renaissance and Progressive Alliance, 28 members from the Republican Party, and 28 members from the Democratic Party. The term of office for this parliament is three years. The customary leadership structure of the parliament is the Executive Board, consisting of seven members including the Speaker, Vice Speaker, Chief of Staff, and Parliamentary Secretary. The parliament has five committees, including Law and Human Rights, Finance and Trade, Production and Planning, Education, Culture, and Social Affairs, as well as Defense, Security, and Foreign Cooperation Relations. The current Speaker, Louis Vlavonou.

The current government was formed in May 2021 and reorganized in June 2023. President Patrice Athanase Guillaume Talon, also serving as the head of government. There are a total of 24 members, including President Talon, Vice President Mariam Chabi Talata, 2 Ministers of State, 19 Ministers, and 1 Secretary of State. Mainly: Abdoulaye BIO TCHAN É, Minister of State for Development and Government Action Coordination; Romuald WADAGNI, Minister of State for Economic, Financial and Cooperation Affairs; DETCHEENOU Yvon, Minister of Seal, Justice and Legislation; Olushegun Adjadi BAKARI, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; Alassane SE Ï DOU, Minister of Interior and Public Security; Jos é Didier TONATO, Minister of Living Environment and Sustainable Development; and Gass, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. Gaston Dossouhoui, Minister of Decentralization and Local Administration Raphael Dossou AKOTEGON, Adidjatou MATHYS, Minister of Labor and Public Service; V é ronique TOGNIFORD É, Minister of Social Affairs and Microfinance; Benjamin HOUNKPATIN, Minister of Health; El é onore YAYI LADEKAN, Minister of Higher Education and Research; Kouaro Yves CHABI, Minister of Secondary Education, Technical Education and Vocational Training; Salimane KARIMOU, Minister of Early Childhood and Primary Education; and Jean Michel Elve Ardenne, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. Jean Michel Herv é ABIMBOLA, Minister of Digital and Digitization Aureli Adam Suley Zulmaru (female) (Aur) É lie Adam SOULE ZOUMAROU, Minister of Industry and Trade Shadiya Alimatou ASSOUMAN, Minister of Energy, Water and Mines Samou Se ï dou ADAMBI, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion Modeste KEREKOU, Minister of Sports Beno î t Marcel DATO, Minister of Defense Fortunet Alain NOUATIN, and Secretary of State for Energy É douard DAHOME.

The country can be divided into four levels: provinces, counties (cities), towns, and villages, with a total of 12 provinces and 77 counties (cities) (67 counties and 10 cities). The names of the 12 provinces are: Coastal, Atlantic, Veme, Mono, Kufu, Plateau, Zu, Hills, Tonga, Borgu, Alibori, and Atakola.

The judicial system includes the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Primary Court. The Constitutional Court is independent of the Supreme Court and is the highest judicial body. Responsible for reviewing the constitutionality of laws, mediating disputes over the authority of state organs, and making rulings on the legality of legislative and presidential elections. The Supreme Court is the highest authority for national administration, judicial adjudication, and national auditing, consisting of three courts: judicial, administrative, and auditing, and one procuratorate. At the central level, there is an appellate court, which is the final court of appeal. Each province has a primary court, and counties (cities) have a public security court. All levels of courts are appointed with prosecutors from the Republic. The High Court has the power to hear cases of treason and illegal acts committed by the President and members of the government in the performance of their duties. Cossi Dorothy é Sossa, President of the Constitutional Court, Victor Dassi Adossou, President of the Supreme Court, and C é cile Dravo Zinzindohou é, President of the High Court.

In 2003, the Bay government issued a new party charter, which stipulated that legal political parties should have at least 10 members in each province, with a total of at least 120 members. In July 2018, Bei passed the New Party Charter, which stipulated that the New Party should have at least 15 founding members in each county and at least 1155 founding members nationwide when established. According to the New Party Charter, as of December 2022, there are a total of 18 registered legal political parties, mainly including:

(1) Union Progressiste Le Renouveau: The largest party in parliament, formed in August 2022 by the merger of the Union Progressiste de Benin (UP) and the Democratic Renaissance Party (PRD). Joseph Djogbenou, former chairman of the Progressive Alliance, served as party chairman, while former chairman of the Democratic Renaissance Party, Wen Baiji, did not continue to hold party positions. Among them, the Progressive Alliance was established in November 2018, formed by the merger of presidential political parties such as the United Patriotic Alliance, the Benin Renaissance Party, the Democratic Forces Alliance, the Benin Alliance, and the Citizens' Choice Party; The Democratic Renaissance Party (Parti du Renouveau D é mocratique) was established in September 1990, with former Speaker Adrien Houngbedji serving as its chairman.

(2) Bloc r é publicain: Established in December 2018. Formed by the merger of 80 political parties and over 100 political movements. Former Minister of Tourism Jean Michel Abimbola serves as the party chairman. Won 28 seats in the January 2023 parliamentary elections.

(3) Les Democrats: Established in July 2020. The party advocates for maintaining the unity, development, peace, and democracy of Benin. The honorary chairman is former President Yayi, the chairman is Eric Houndete, and there are 13 vice chairmen. Won 28 seats in the January 2023 parliamentary elections.

Patrice Atanas Guillaume Talon: President, Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. Born in May 1958 in Vinda, Benin. I studied at the University of Dakar in Senegal and later did business in France and Benin. In 1988, Intercontinental Delivery Company was established, and in 1990, it acquired three state-owned cotton de seeding processing plants in Benin, developing into a leading figure in the cotton industry in Benin. He won the presidential election in March 2016 and was inaugurated on April 6th, becoming the sixth President of the Republic of Benin. He was re elected in April 2021.

One of the least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries announced by the United Nations. Agriculture and transit trade are the two pillars of the national economy. The main economic crops include cotton, cashews, oil palm, etc. Among them, cotton is the main export product for foreign exchange earnings. It is an important transit trading country in West Africa, and most of the goods arriving at the port are exported to neighboring countries such as Nigeria. The industrial foundation is weak, mainly in the processing of agricultural products and textile industry. Resources are relatively scarce, and proven mineral deposits include oil, gold, etc., but reserves are limited. After taking office, Talon identified agriculture, tourism, and services as priority development areas and formulated the "2016-2021 Government Action Plan" and the "2021-2026 Government Action Plan". We will focus on developing new technology industries, plan to build technology and innovation parks, and vigorously develop the digital economy. Pay attention to cotton production and accelerate the privatization process. Pay attention to the development of the energy sector and formulate the "Energy for All" plan. Improving the investment environment, encouraging foreign enterprises to invest in Benin, achieving certain results, and maintaining economic growth. In July 2019, Benin joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

The main economic data of Beike in 2023 are as follows:

Gross Domestic Product: 16.8 billion US dollars.

Per capita Gross Domestic Product: Approximately 1223 US dollars.

Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate: 6.4%.

Currency name: African Financial Community Franc (FCFA, abbreviated as CFA Franc).

Exchange rate: 1 US dollar ≈ 602.5 African francs.

Average inflation rate: 1.4%.

(Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit)

【 Resources 】 Mineral deposits mainly include oil, natural gas, iron ore, phosphate, marble, gold, etc. The proven reserves of oil are 5.25 billion barrels, with approximately 920 million barrels available for extraction, and natural gas reserves are 91 billion cubic meters. In August 2000, Benin signed the "West African Gas Pipeline Protocol" with Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria regarding natural gas exports. The iron ore reserves are about 1 billion tons. The fishery resources are abundant, with about 257 species of marine fish. The forest area is 3.13 million hectares, accounting for approximately 27% of the country's total land area.

In 2020, the industrial output value accounted for 17.6% of the gross domestic product. Mainly in the food processing, textile, and building materials industries. The industrial population accounts for approximately 11.6% of the national labor force. Since the implementation of structural adjustment, some enterprises have been privatized, and the remaining large state-owned enterprises will also be privatized one after another. According to the data from the National Bureau of Statistics of Benin, the industrial output value of Benin increased by 3.7% year-on-year in 2020.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in the national economy of Benin. The agricultural workforce accounts for 70% of the total employed population. Mainly engaged in agriculture, accounting for about 80% of the agricultural sector. There are 70000 square kilometers of arable land, but the actual cultivated area is less than 17%. The scale of agricultural operations is very small, with an average of 0.5 hectares of land per household in the southern region and 2 hectares in the northern region among 400000 households engaged in agriculture. The output value of agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries accounts for 71.6%, 16.4%, and 12% of the primary industry, respectively. The main grain crops include cassava, yam, corn, millet, etc. The annual output of rice is about 400000 tons. Economic crops include cotton, cashews, palm, coffee, etc. Among them, cotton exports account for about 70% -80% of the total export revenue. In 2017-2018, Benin's total cotton production reached a historic high of 598000 tons, cashew nut production was 110000 tons, and pineapple production was 345000 tons. In 2018-2019, Benin produced 714000 tons of cotton, becoming the largest cotton producing country in West Africa. From 2019 to 2020, cotton exports generated 267 billion CFA francs in foreign exchange, accounting for nearly 70% of total agricultural income, 40% of foreign exchange income, and 12-13% of GDP. From 2020 to 2021, the production of Beimian cotton was 728000 tons, providing nearly 220000 production jobs. About 300000 people are directly or indirectly engaged in fishing production, with an average annual catch of 40000 tons. The average annual logging volume of trees is 2990 cubic meters.

The tourism industry is an emerging industry and the second largest foreign exchange earning industry after cotton. In recent years, the government has continuously increased its investment in the tourism industry. The main tourist attractions include Gonvi è re Water Village, Vinda Ancient City, Vinda Historical Museum, Apomi Ancient City, Wildlife Park, Evie Tourist Park, Atlantic Beach, etc. We are currently constructing a tourism development zone from Cotonou to Vinda to develop seaside tourism. There are over 300 hotels and inns of various types, among which the Cotonou Seaside Hotel is a 5-star hotel.

The annual output value of transportation accounts for about 8% of the gross domestic product.

Railway: The total length is 758 kilometers, of which 579 kilometers are main trunk lines. The main section connects Cotonou and Paraku, with a length of about 440 kilometers, and is part of the jointly operated railway of the Benin Niger Railway Transport Joint Organization. The annual designed transportation capacity is 700000 passengers and 350000 tons of materials. Due to years of disrepair, transportation capacity has severely declined.

Highway: with a total length of over 31000 kilometers. Among them, there are about 6076 kilometers of national highways and about 25000 kilometers of provincial and municipal highways. The highway is mainly divided into two main roads: east-west and north-south. The east-west direction is the Togo Cotonou Nigeria coastal highway, and the north-south direction is the Kotonu Zhugu NadiDangu Burkina Faso highway (539 kilometers).

Shipping: Cotonou Port is an important regional transshipment port with a water depth of 11 to 14 meters, capable of accommodating large ships weighing tens of thousands of tons. The port is a hub for goods distribution and transportation in landlocked countries in West Africa, responsible for 90% of Benin's foreign trade, accounting for approximately 50% of the country's tax revenue and 80% -85% of customs revenue. In March 2021, Africa Logistics magazine ranked Cotonou Port as the sixth best port in Africa.

Air freight: Cotonou International Airport is the only A1 type international airport in Benin, capable of taking off and landing large aircraft such as Boeing 747 and Airbus. The annual passenger volume is about 350000 and the freight volume is 4600 tons. There are currently more than ten airlines operating in Benin, including Air France, Morocco, and South African Airways. In June 2002, Benin's first international airline, Benin Africa Airlines, was established, mainly operating the Cotonou Paris route. In 2006, the company announced its dissolution. In addition, there are 9 domestic airports in China, but they do not have the conditions for night flights.

The national fiscal revenue mainly relies on taxes, of which tariffs account for 40%.

As of 2023, foreign exchange reserves amounted to 1.62 billion US dollars, and the total external debt was 7.307 billion US dollars.

In 2019, the government's public investment plan included 200 projects, including 26 new projects, with a total budget of 425.113 billion CFA francs. In May 2020, Benin successfully issued treasury bond in the regional market of UEMOA, raising more than 50 billion CFA francs. In July, the World Bank announced Benin's transition to the category of low - and middle-income economies. In March 2021, Moody's raised the long-term sovereign credit rating of Beige from "B2, positive outlook" to "B1, stable outlook". In April, Standard&Poor's rating agency maintained Benin's long-term sovereign credit rating of B+, with a "stable" outlook. In May, Benin issued 66 billion francs of West African treasury bond in the WAEMU market. In 2021, the revenue of Beiguan Customs was 440.479 billion CFA francs, an increase of 85 billion CFA francs from 2020.

Foreign trade is a pillar industry of the national economy, accounting for 60-80% of the national budget revenue. Transit trade is very active, with 70% of goods arriving at the port being sold to Nigeria, as well as inland countries such as Niger and Burkina Faso. We mainly export cotton, cashew nuts, cement and other products, and import food, daily consumer goods, chemical products, etc. In 2019, the total trade volume was 7.16 billion US dollars, the export volume was 3.32 billion US dollars, and the import volume was 3.84 billion US dollars. The main import targets are India, Thailand, Togo, and China, while the main export targets are Bangladesh, China, India, and Vietnam. In 2018, Benin exported 1689 tons of cashew nuts to the United States and 280 tons to Europe, becoming the second largest supplier of cashew nuts to the United States and Europe in West Africa, second only to Cote d'Ivoire. In July 2019, Benin signed the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. According to the World Bank's 2020 Doing Business report, Benin ranks 149th globally. More than 40000 enterprises were established in 2020, and the business environment continues to improve.

The main aid countries and international organizations include Denmark, France, Germany, China, the United States, Japan, the World Bank, the European Union, the African Development Fund, the West African Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. In recent years, it has received an average of about 580 million US dollars in official foreign aid, accounting for about 8% of the gross domestic product, mainly in the fields of health, education and training. The total amount of development support planned by the United Nations for Benin from 2019 to 2023 is 176.613 billion CFA francs, mainly providing support in areas such as health, education, social security, food, and sustainable development. In 2018, the World Bank allocated $220 million through the International Development Association to support the universal access to drinking water project in rural areas of Benin, benefiting 1.7 million people; Under the framework of the "Assisting Local Towns and Groups in Expanding Social Service Plans", a donation of 22 billion CFA francs will be made to help impoverished populations enjoy social services and security. In the same year, the European Union agreed to donate 28.9 billion CFA francs to support the reforms of the Belgian government. In 2019, the International Development Association of the World Bank announced a donation of $50 million to Benin over five years to improve the living conditions of children under the age of 5, and a funding of $100 million to strengthen the city of Cotonou's flood control and natural disaster response capabilities. The Netherlands will donate 6.5 billion francs through the World Food Programme between July 2019 and December 2023 for the Benin Campus Canteen Program, mainly involving 5 provinces and 294 schools. In October 2019, Japan signed an agreement with Benin to donate rice worth 1.75 billion West African francs to Benin. In 2019, the International Development Association of the World Bank announced a donation of $50 million to Benin over five years to improve the living conditions of children under the age of 5, and a funding of $100 million to strengthen the city of Cotonou's flood control and natural disaster response capabilities. In April 2020, the World Bank approved the International Development Association to provide Benin with 10.4 million dollars of additional funds to support the fight against the COVID-19 and respond to public health emergencies. In May, the International Monetary Fund completed its sixth review of the Belgian economy under an expanded credit facility agreement support plan and will provide a loan of $125 million to the country. In June, the Executive Council of the World Bank approved a decision to provide $160 million to Benin to support its agricultural development and help its agricultural products enter the international market; And an additional 29 billion CFA francs will be allocated for the development of renewable energy and digital economy, supporting the enhancement of economic competitiveness in the country; The European Union has decided to provide a donation of 6.3 billion West African francs to the government of Benin to support its response to the epidemic; The Arab Bank Fund Group has signed a cooperation agreement with the government of Benin to provide 156 billion West African francs in funding support for improving energy network construction. In December, the International Monetary Fund announced an emergency aid of 95 billion West African francs to Benin to combat the pandemic and restore the economy. In April 2021, Bei signed a credit agreement with the French Foreign Trade Bank for a total of 326 million euros to build power infrastructure. In May, the World Bank International Development Association approved to provide US $25 million to 35000 small and micro enterprises in Benin to support them in coping with the crisis of COVID-19 epidemic; The European Union signed an agreement with Benin, and the European Investment Bank will provide 140 million euros of financial support for the COVID-19 response project and urban health project in Benin. In June, the World Bank provided an additional US $30 million to Beibei for the procurement and transportation of COVID-19 vaccine. Under the framework of epidemic response, the World Bank provided a total of US $72 million to Beibei; The World Bank has promised to provide 109 billion CFA francs to Benin for the construction of power infrastructure. In April 2022, the Benin government signed a 42 month cooperation agreement with the International Monetary Fund, which will provide a loan of about 700 million US dollars to help the Benin government cope with challenges in security, the COVID-19, rising prices and other fields. In April, the World Bank announced that it would provide a $187 million loan to Benin through its International Development Association to improve the quality of primary healthcare services and the ability to respond to public health emergencies. In May, the West African Development Bank announced that it would provide 17.5 billion West African francs to Benin for the implementation of the settlement plan for herders in northern Benin. In July, the European Union signed three financing agreements with the government of Benin, providing 50.5 million euros in funding support in three areas: clean energy, entrepreneurial support, and biodiversity conservation. In July, the World Bank signed an additional financing agreement of 233.8 million euros with Benin to support the improvement of rural drinking water supply infrastructure, with plans to provide 80 drinking water systems to 404 villages. In February 2023, the President of the West African Development Bank, Akui, led a delegation to visit Benin and signed multiple cooperation agreements, including providing 10 billion West African francs in aid to support the community housing project and supporting infrastructure construction in the city of Abomey Calawi; Provide 25 billion CFA francs to support the implementation of emergency projects to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector, restore and promote agricultural and livestock production activities, and strengthen the entrepreneurial capabilities of small agricultural producers.

According to the Human Development Index released by the United Nations Development Programme's 2022 Human Development Report, Benin ranks 166th in terms of people's livelihoods. In 2015, the minimum guaranteed monthly wage for various industries was 40000 CFA francs. As of 2020, there are a total of 48 hospitals at or above the district level in Benin, including 8 national level hospitals and 6 national level hospitals

Provincial central hospitals and 34 municipal level hospitals. There are currently 508 medical and health centers at all levels (including clinics)

There are 890 private hospitals and clinics, as well as obstetrics and gynecology hospitals. The coverage rate of medical and health services in Benin has reached

90% of the population has 5921 hospital beds nationwide, with an average of 1 bed per 2059 people. Various types of medical personnel

8534 people. In 2019, the average life expectancy in Benin was 61.77 years, with an average life expectancy of 60.20 years for men and 63.32 years for women. According to the "2017 Food Safety" report by the National Bureau of Statistics of Benin, approximately 1.09 million people currently lack necessary food. As of the end of 2020, the access rate of drinking water in rural areas has increased from 53.7% in 2019 to 70.16%.

The military was established in 1961 and reorganized into the National Defense Army, Public Security Army, and Militia in 1977. In 1990, the military was "depoliticized" and the National Defense Force was renamed as the "Armed Forces", retaining the army, navy, air force, gendarmerie, and Republican Guard. Implement compulsory military service system. The total military strength is about 11000 people. The current Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Brigadier General Awal Djibril Bouko Nagnimi, Army Chief of Staff, Colonel Abdoul Bakil Sanni Bachabi, Air Force Chief of Staff, Colonel Bertin Bada, and Navy Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Fran ç ois d'Assise J. Gonsallo.

In 2010, education expenditure accounted for 5.4% of the gross domestic product. There are currently two universities, namely Abomey Karawi University (formerly the National University of Benin) and Paraku University, with over 80000 students enrolled. There are approximately 112 technical and vocational schools, 246 general high schools, and 3558 primary schools. The adult literacy rate is 38.4%. From 2016 to 2020, a total of 1034 classrooms, 475 bathrooms, 2 vocational high schools, and 1 social medical college were newly built or renovated nationwide, with a total investment of 15 billion CFA francs.

The state has established the Supreme Audiovisual Management Committee, which serves as the supervisory body for news and communication, responsible for consulting on news and communication laws and ensuring freedom of the press and communication. The committee consists of 9 members, with 3 recommended by the President, 3 by the Parliament, and 3 by the media, serving a term of 5 years. The current chairman of the committee is Adam Boni Tessi.

In March 2021, the Supreme Audiovisual Management Committee released a list of legal newspapers and magazines within the country, including 72 daily newspapers, 8 weekly magazines, and 4 biweekly magazines. Among them, 'Ethnic Daily' is the official newspaper, published from Monday to Friday every week. Private newspapers mainly include Morning Post, Morning Post, and Daily Echo. Ethnic Daily and Morning Post have the largest circulation, with approximately 5000 copies.

Benin News Agency is a national news agency established in 1961, mainly disseminating information to national newspapers, radio stations, and television stations through telecommunication articles. Since 1990, two daily publications, "Benin News" and "Economic News", have been published every Monday to Friday. Set up correspondents in various provinces within the country. International news mostly comes from Agence France Presse. In 1997, Beitong News Agency signed a news exchange cooperation agreement with Xinhua News Agency, and since 1998, it has been able to receive news from Xinhua News Agency.

The Benin Broadcasting and Television Authority has one state-owned television station, four state-owned radio stations, and five local agricultural radio stations. The Benin National Television was established in 1972 and officially launched on December 31, 1978. Currently, the average daily broadcast time is nearly 6 hours, and programs produced domestically account for about 45%. Benin National Radio, formerly known as the Voice of Revolution Radio, was established in 1953 and broadcasts approximately 18 hours a day in French, English, and national languages. Since 1992, programs of Radio France Internationale have been broadcasted on FM.

We adhere to a diverse and pragmatic foreign policy of "practicality, flexibility, and non exclusivity", actively seek political support and economic assistance, and advocate for the development of cooperative relations with all countries on the basis of principles such as peaceful coexistence. Pay attention to maintaining relations with Western powers such as France and the United States, actively develop relations with developing countries such as India, value good neighborly friendship, and advocate resolving territorial disputes with neighboring countries through peaceful means. Actively participate in regional affairs and send troops to participate in regional peacekeeping operations multiple times. It is a member state of organizations such as the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. In October 2021, Bei was elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2022-2024.

France is the former suzerain state of Benin, and the two countries have maintained close relations. After the implementation of democratization and a free market economy in 1990, the law strongly supported Benin. During Soglo's reign, the relationship between the two countries fell into a low tide. After Kreku regained power in 1996, the relationship between the two countries was restored and developed. France is the main contributor and trading partner of Beibei. Kreku and Yayi have visited France multiple times. In 2014, Yayi attended the Paris Summit on Security in Nigeria. In 2015, Yayi went to France to attend the Paris Climate Change Summit. In 2015, French President Hollande visited Benin, becoming the first French president to visit Benin after its democratization. In 2016 and 2017, Talon visited France three times a year. In March 2017, the President of the French National Assembly visited Benin. In March 2018, Talon visited France and signed five cooperation agreements with a total amount exceeding 275 million euros. In June, President Talon attended the UNESCO Conference on New Prospects for the Transfer and Sharing of Cultural Products and Heritage in Paris. In July 2019, Benin signed a financing agreement with France for a total of 40 billion West African francs to build the Benin power system, with the European Union contributing 10 billion West African francs and the French Development Agency contributing 29.5 billion West African francs. In the same month, Benin's national power company signed an agreement with France's Total to import natural gas and develop floating liquefied natural gas import terminals, with a total investment of 51 billion CFA francs. Total plans to provide 5 million tons of natural gas to Benin within 15 years from 2021, in order to change the energy consumption structure of Benin and provide energy power for its power plants. In January 2020, 28 Benin cultural relics that had been auctioned off in France and were privately collected returned to Benin through personal donations, and are currently housed in a private museum in Benin. In April 2021, Bei signed a credit agreement with the French Foreign Trade Bank for a total of 326 million euros to build power infrastructure. In November, President Talon and French President Macron jointly attended the signing ceremony for the return of Benin's cultural relics held at the French Presidential Palace. France returned 26 cultural relics looted by French colonizers to the Benin government. In June 2022, the European Investment Bank and French power giant Enji Group signed a € 10 million loan agreement to install 107000 household solar installations in Benin. In July, French President Macron visited Benin and met with President Talon. The two sides signed multiple agreements on counter-terrorism cooperation, vocational training, cultural promotion, and signed a strategic partnership agreement for 2022-2026. In August, President Talon visited France to attend the 2022 French Entrepreneurs Conference and deliver a speech. In September, Foreign Minister Abenong Xi, Finance Minister Vadani, Minister of Education Chaby, Minister of Culture Abanbola, and others visited France and held a high-level working meeting with French Secretary of State for Development, Francophone Countries, and International Partnership Affairs, Charlotte Bro, to sign a cooperation plan, making vocational training and cultural cooperation the main directions for the development of the partnership between the two countries.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Germany in 1961, the relationship between the two countries has developed smoothly. Belgium is a key country for Germany's aid to Africa, and the two countries hold intergovernmental consultations every two years. In 2003, Kreku visited Germany. In 2004, German President Horst K ö hler visited Benin. In 2006, Yayi visited Germany. In 2007, Yayi went to Germany to participate in the "Future of Africa's Rise" forum and the third Germany Africa Partnership Forum. In 2012, former German Chancellor Kohler visited Bey. In 2013, Yayi made an official visit to Germany. In October 2018, Talon went to Germany to attend the G20 Africa Investment Summit, during which he met with German President Steinmeier. In October 2019, the 20th Benin Germany intergovernmental consultation was held in Cotonou and a joint communiqu é was issued. The German government decided to invest 52 billion CFA francs (approximately 87.5 million US dollars) to support the development of agriculture, drinking water, and other fields in Benin. In June 2021, Bede held the 21st intergovernmental consultation meeting in Cotonou, and Germany will provide 51.37 billion West African francs to Bede in the next two years, increasing the total amount of cooperation project funds between the two countries to 300 billion West African francs. In August 2022, the Benin government held a meeting with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to study and review the 2021-2026 Benin tax strategy and plan, and further optimize Benin's tax policies.

The relationship with the United States was established in 1961. In 1995, the two countries established a Military Cooperation Mixed Committee. Meizi Bay has a cultural center and a West Africa training center for the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and has accepted Bay to join the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the National Organization Council for the Millennium Challenge. Kreku and Yayi have both visited the United States. In 2010, Yayi met with visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Carlson. In 2011, Aya visited the United States and met with President Obama. In 2012, at the invitation of President Obama, Yayi attended the G8 summit and US Secretary of State Clinton made a brief visit to Bay. In 2014, Yayi was invited by President Obama to attend the US Africa summit. In 2015, Aya visited the United States and signed the second phase of the "Millennium Challenge Account" aid agreement with Vice President Biden, receiving $403 million in funding support. In 2017, Talon attended the US Arab Islamic Countries Summit held in Riyadh, where the US pledged $400 million in support for the next five years. In September 2018, Talon went to New York to attend the 73rd United Nations General Assembly. In January 2020, President Talon visited the United States. In October, Kane Cross, President of Millennium Challenge Corporation in the United States, visited Benin. In June 2022, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States, Gonzalez, visited Benin. In August, Benin's Minister of Development and Government Action Coordination, Chane, led a delegation to the United States to negotiate with Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and held talks with Deputy Director of the Trade Management Bureau of the US Department of Commerce, Lago. In March 2023, US Deputy Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Jenkins, visited Benin and met with the Minister of State for Development Coordination, Minister of Justice, Minister of the Interior, and Minister of Defense.

The relationship with India was established in 1986. In 2009, President Yayi of Benin visited India and met with Indian Prime Minister Singh. The two sides signed cooperation documents on the establishment of a bilateral joint committee, diplomatic consultations, information technology, scientific research, and other areas. In 2015, Yayi went to India to attend the India Africa Summit. In 2017, Benin's President Talon went to India to attend the annual meeting of the African Development Bank. In July 2019, Indian President Kewende visited Benin, and the two sides issued the India Benin Joint Statement and signed cooperation documents on culture, investment, Internet construction, mutual visa exemption and so on.

Bei attaches great importance to developing relations with major regional powers such as Nigeria and Algeria, actively participating in regional cooperation, and promoting the process of regional integration. In 2007, Yayi and former Nigerian President Olusegun jointly initiated the establishment of the Four Country Co Prosperity Mechanism, which includes Benin, Nigeria, Togo, and Ghana. In 2008, Bei became the first French speaking country to pass the mutual inspection through the African Mutual Inspection Mechanism (MAEP) mutual inspection report. In 2010, Yayi received the visits of the presidents of Gabon, Burkina Faso, Burundi, C ô te d'Ivoire and Nigeria, and attended the Summit of the Heads of State of the Community of Sahelo Saharan States held in Chad. In 2011, Yayi received visits from heads of state of Togo, Nigeria, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire and other countries to Benin, and visited Nigeria and South Africa successively. From January 2012 to January 2013, Yayi repeatedly convened informal meetings with leaders of some African Union member states in Cotonou as the rotating Chairperson of the African Union to discuss the election of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and regional hot issues. In October 2013, Yayi was elected as the rotating chairman at the West African Economic and Monetary Union Leaders' Summit held in Dakar. In 2014, Yayi received visits from heads of state of Togo, Sierra Leone, Niger and other countries, and visited Nigeria, Ghana, Niger and other countries successively. In 2015, Yayi visited multiple countries including Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, and Egypt, and received visits from presidents of Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and other countries to Benin. In September, Yayi and the rotating chairman of the Western Community, Senegalese President Sall, jointly went to Burkina Faso to mediate and mediate the coup d 'é tat of the Burkina Faso Presidential Guard. In 2016, Yayi visited Nigeria. Talon visited Togo, Cote d'Ivoire, Niger, Nigeria, and attended the second Regional Security Summit and the fourth Arab African Summit. In 2017, Talon visited C ô te d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and C ô te d'Ivoire, and attended the West African Economic and Monetary Union summit in Abidjan and the 52nd Western Community summit in Abuja. In 2018, Talon visited Nigeria and attended the 30th African Union Summit and Special Session in Addis Ababa. In 2019, Talon visited Niger and attended the 55th Western Community Summit in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. He also attended the Western Community Special Summit in Burkina Faso and Mogadishu. In December 2020, President Talon went to Abidjan, the capital of Cote d'Ivoire, to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Ouattara. In June 2021, President Talon went to Accra, the capital of Ghana, to attend the 59th Western Community Summit. In November 2022, Vice President Tarata went to Tunisia to attend the 18th Francophone Summit. In November, President Talon went to Ghana to attend the Accra Initiative International Conference. In March 2023, Niger President Bazoum paid a state visit to Benin to exchange views on strengthening bilateral cooperation.