Benin
Viviana Azankposso assists with CRS' program to help fight malaria through education, medication and distribution of mosquito nets like the one shown here. Photo courtesy of CNS/Paul Haring
Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, is one of Africa's most stable democracies and has seen economic growth over the past few years as one of Africa's largest cotton producers. But it is also one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 167 out of 187 countries in the 2011 Human Development Index (UNDP report for 2011).
- Life expectancy at birth is 56.1 years
- Under-five mortality is 118 deaths per 1,000 live births
- The average number of years of education for adults is 3.3 years
- The maternal mortality ratio is high, at 410 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Learn more about our work in Benin and Togo.
Stats
| Population: | 9,598,787 (July 2012 est.) |
| Size: | 43,484 sq. mi.; slightly smaller than Pennsylvania |
| People Served: | 7,551,120 (2012 est.) |
History
Catholic Relief Services began work in Benin in 1958, two years before the country's independence. CRS' early years in Benin were characterized by projects to support rural communities in their economic, health, cultural and social development. Project activities included school feedings as well as health and nutrition activities.