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            BENIN
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Benin is an ice cream cone-
shaped country in West Africa
with a very short coastline on
the Bight of Benin. The
coastal area has white sandy
beaches backed by lagoons and
low-lying fertile lands. In
the northwest are grassy
plateaux. The climate is
tropical, and there are nine
rainy months each year so
crops rarely fail. Farming is
predominantly subsistence,
with yams, cassava, maize,
rice, groundnuts and
vegetables forming most of the
produce. The country is very
poor, and lack of foreign
investment prevents
diversification of the
economy.

Area (Sq. Km.): 112,620

Population: 4,737,000

Capital: Porto Novo

Language:
French

Religion:
Mainly Animist with Christian
and Moslem minorities.

Government Type:
Democracy

Currency: Franc CFA

Embassy:
125 High Street
Edgware
0181-951-1234

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Foreign Office Advice:

Travel is generally safe but
driving out of main towns at
night should be avoided as
roads are poorly lit.
There have been a number of
incidents of mugging and
personal assaults in Cononou
and some armed robberies have
been reported in other areas.
Visitors should be vigilant.
The honorary British Consulate
in Cononou, Tel: 301120, can
only give limited help in
emergencies.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129