African Food and Art

Thank you to our latest donor, Tony. Thank you, Tony. We were able to purchase three new stainless steel pots to continue our cooking and teaching heritage.

About Benin Language, Ethnic groups and Economy

About Benin Language, Ethnic groups, Flag and Economy

About Benin Language, Ethnic groups, Flag and Economy


There are thousands of languages spoken in Africa; over 2,000. The top 10 most spoken languages in Africa in order are; Arabic, Kiswahili (Swahili), Hausa, English, Amharic, French, Oromo, Yoruba, Igbo and Zulu. 


The languages spoken in Benin are French the official, Fon and Yoruba are most common in the south of Benin, and tribal languages there are at least six major ones in north Benin.


The Republic of Benin location in Africa

L'Aube Nouvelle, The Dawn of a New Day is the African County Benin national anthem. 

There are 10 million people living in Benin

The population is primarily located in the south, with the highest concentration of people residing in and around the cities on the Atlantic coast; most of the north remains sparsely populated with higher concentrations of residents in the west.


Benin ethnic groups are:

Fon and related 39.2 percent
Adja and related 15.2 percent
Yoruba and related 12.3 percent
Bariba and related 9.2 percent
Peulh and related 7 percent
Ottamari and related 6.1 percent
Yoa-Lokpa and related 4 percent
Dendi and related 2.5 percent
Other 1.6 percent
Unspecified 2.9 percent


Major religions in Benin are:

Catholic 27.1 percent
Muslim 24.4 percent
Vodoun (Voodoo) 17.3 percent
Protestant 10.4 percent
Other Christian 5.3 percent
Unspecified 15.5 percent
Benin major agriculture products are:

Cotton
Corn
Cassava
Yams
Beans
Palm Oil
Peanuts
Cashews

Livestock


Benin major export partners are:

Bangladesh 18.1 percent
India 10.7 percent
Ukraine 9 percent
Niger 8.1 percent
China 7.7 percent
Nigeria 7.2 percent
Turkey 4 percent


Benin major import partners are:

Thailand 18.1 percent
India 15.9 percent
France 8.5 percent
China 7.5 percent
Togo 5.9 percent
Netherlands 4.3 percent
Belgium 4.3 percent


Benin’s flag is bands of yellow on top, red at the bottom with a vertical green band on the side. The green symbolizes hope and revival, yellow wealth, and red courage. 



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