Benin

摘要

Area: 112,622 sq.km (43,483 sq.m); 16% arable, 35% forests and game reserves, 49% other. Coastline: 121km (75 miles). Maritime claims: Territorial waters 370km (200nm) Population: 8,791,832 (July 2010 est.); annual growth rate 2.977% (2010 est.). The population is 99% African (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba). Religions: 70% indigenous beliefs, 15% Muslim, 15% Christian. Language: French (official); Fon and Yoruba most common vernaculars in south, at least six major tribal languages in north. Literacy rate: 37%. Long-form or legal name: Republic of Benin. Type of government: Presidential Republic. Political subdivisions: 12 provinces. Legal system: Based on French civil law and customary law. New Constitution approved by referendum in February 2005. Judiciary headed by Supreme Court. Branches of government: President as both Head of State and Government; Cabinet appointed by the President; unicameral 83-seat National Assembly. Suffrage: Universal at age 18. Member of: UN, AU, ICAO, AfDB, Seabeds Committee and others.