Officially name: The Republic of Benin
Capital: Porto-Novo
Largest city: Cotonou
Official language: French
Government: Multiparty democracy
The majority of Benin's population lives in the south. The population is young, with a life expectancy of 59 years. About 42 African ethnic groups live in this country; these various groups settled in Benin at different times and also migrated within the country.
Benin's climate is hot and humid. Annual rainfall in the coastal area averages 1,360 mm (53.5 in), not particularly high for coastal West Africa.