Overview of Benin

Officially name: The Republic of Benin

Capital: Porto-Novo

Largest city: Cotonou

Official language: French

Government: Multiparty democracy

Departments of Benin

Benin is divided into 12 departments (French: départements), and subdivided into 77 communes (see Communes of Benin). In 1999, the previous six departments were each split into two halves, forming the current 12. The new six departments have been assigned a capital in 2008.