Officially name: The Republic of Benin
Capital: Porto-Novo
Largest city: Cotonou
Official language: French
Government: Multiparty democracy
According to the 2002 census, 27.1 percent of the population of Benin is Roman Catholic, 24.4 percent Muslim (mainly Sunni), 17.3 percent Vodun, 5 percent Celestial Christian, 3.2 percent Methodist, 7.5 percent other Christian denominations, 6 percent other African Traditional Religion groups, 1.9 percent other religious groups, and 6.5 percent claim no religious affiliation.
Beninese cuisine is known in Africa for its exotic ingredients and flavorful dishes. Beninese cuisine involves lots of fresh meals served with a variety of sauces. Meat is usually quite expensive, and meals are generally light on meat and generous on vegetable fat.