GeoFroggy

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Background

Dahomey gained its independence from France in 1960; the name was changed to Benin in 1975. From 1974 to 1989 the country was a socialist state; free elections were reestablished in 1991.

Location

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Nigeria and Togo

Area Comparative

Slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Maritime Claims

Territorial sea: 200 NM

Climate

Tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Natural Hazards

Hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December to March

Environment Current Issues

Inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification

Environment International Agreements

Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements

Geography Note

Sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural harbors, river mouths, or islands

Year	2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Map Reference

Africa

Irrigated Land 1998

120 sq km

Area 2002

Total

112,620 sq km
Water

2,000 sq km
Land

110,620 sq km

Coastline

121 km

Geographical Coordinates

9 30 N, 2 15 E

Land use 2002

Arable Land
15.28%
Permanent Crops
1.36%
Other
83.36%

Terrain

Mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains

Elevation

Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Highest Point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m

Land Boundaries

Total
1,989 km
Burkina Faso
306 km
Niger
266 km
Nigeria
773 km
Togo
644 km

Natural Resources

Small offshore oil deposits
Limestone

Marble
Timber

Benin