Country Guide

Fiji Facts

Geography People and Society Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues

Geography

Location:
Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand


Geographic coordinates:
18 00 S, 175 00 E


Map references:
Oceania


Area:
total:18,274 sq kmcountry comparison to the world: 157
land:18,274 sq km
water:0 sq km


Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than New Jersey


Land boundaries:
territorial sea:12 nm
exclusive economic zone:200 nm
continental shelf:200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim added


Climate:
tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation


Terrain:
mostly mountains of volcanic origin


Elevation extremes:
lowest point:Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point:Tomanivi 1,324 m


    Natural resources:
timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower


Land use:
arable land:9.17%
permanent crops:4.65%
other:86.17% (2011)


Irrigated land:
30 sq km (2003)


Total renewable water resources:
28.55 cu km (2011)


Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
28.55 cu km (2011)

Natural hazards:
cyclonic storms can occur from November to January


Environment - current issues:
deforestation; soil erosion


Environment - international agreements:
party to:Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified:none of the selected agreements


Geography - note:
includes 332 islands; approximately 110 are inhabited

People and Society

Nationality:
noun: Fijian(s)
adjective:Fijian


Ethnic groups:
iTaukei 56.8% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture), Indian 37.5%, Rotuman 1.2%, other 4.5% (European, part European, other Pacific Islanders, Chinese)


Languages:
English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani


Religions:
Protestant 45% (Methodist 34.6%, Assembly of God 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.9%, and Anglican 0.8%), Hindu 27.9%, other Christian 10.4%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other 0.3%, none 0.8% (2007 est.)


Population:
903,207 (July 2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 162


Age structure:
0-14 years:28.2% (male 130,013/female 124,423)
15-24 years:17.1% (male 78,751/female 75,358)
25-54 years:41.1% (male 190,035/female 181,268)
55-64 years:7.8% (male 35,616/female 34,920)
65 years and over:5.6% (male 24,282/female 28,541) (2014 est.)


Dependency ratios:
total dependency ratio:52.5 %
youth dependency ratio:43.9 %
elderly dependency ratio:8.6 %
potential support ratio:11.6 (2014 est.)


Median age:
total:27.9 years
male:27.7 years
female:28.1 years (2014 est.)


Population growth rate:
0.7% (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 145


Birth rate:
19.86 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 87


Death rate:
6 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 164


Net migration rate:
-6.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 203


Urbanization:
urban population:52.2% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization:1.55% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)


Major urban areas - population:
SUVA (capital) 177,000 (2011)


Sex ratio:
at birth:1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.05 male(s)/female
15-24 years:1.05 male(s)/female
25-54 years:1.05 male(s)/female
55-64 years:1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.85 male(s)/female
total population:1.03 male(s)/female (2014 est.)


    Maternal mortality rate:
26 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)


Infant mortality rate:
total:10.2 deaths/1,000 live birthscountry comparison to the world: 139
male:11.24 deaths/1,000 live births
female:9.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)


Life expectancy at birth:
total population:72.15 yearscountry comparison to the world: 139
male:69.53 years
female:74.91 years (2014 est.)


Total fertility rate:
2.51 children born/woman (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 80


Health expenditures:
3.8% of GDP (2011)


Physicians density:
0.43 physicians/1,000 population (2009)


Hospital bed density:
2.1 beds/1,000 population (2009)


Drinking water source:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 92.2% of population
total: 96.3% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 7.8% of population
total: 3.7% of population (2012 est.)


Sanitation facility access:
improved:
urban: 92.1% of population
rural: 81.7% of population
total: 87.2% of population
unimproved:
urban: 7.9% of population
rural: 18.3% of population
total: 12.8% of population (2012 est.)


HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.2% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 112


HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
900 (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 150


HIV/AIDS - deaths:
fewer than 100 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 156


Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
30.6% (2008)country comparison to the world: 25


Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
5.3% (2004)country comparison to the world: 90


Education expenditures:
4.2% of GDP (2011)country comparison to the world: 102

Literacy:
definition:age 15 and over can read and write
total population:93.7%
male:95.5%
female:91.9% (2003 est.)


School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total:16 years (2011)

Government

Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Fiji
conventional short form:Fiji
local long form:Republic of Fiji/Matanitu ko Viti
local short form:Fiji/Viti


Government type:
republic


Capital:
name:Suva (on Viti Levu)
geographic coordinates:18 08 S, 178 25 E
time difference:UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time:+1hr, begins fourth Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in January


Administrative divisions:
14 provinces and 1 dependency*; Ba, Bua, Cakaudrove, Kadavu, Lau, Lomaiviti, Macuata, Nadroga and Navosa, Naitasiri, Namosi, Ra, Rewa, Rotuma*, Serua, Tailevu


Independence:
10 October 1970 (from the UK)


National holiday:
Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)


Constitution:
several previous; latest signed into law September 2013 (2013)


Legal system:
common law system based on the English model


International law organization participation:
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction


Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal


Executive branch:
chief of state:President Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU (since 30 July 2009)
head of government:Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10 September 2000); note - although QARASE is still the legal prime minister, he has been confined to his home island; former President ILOILOVATU appointed Commodore Voreqe 'Frank' BAINIMARAMA interim prime minister under the military regime
cabinet:Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament and responsible to Parliament; note - coup leader Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA has appointed an interim cabinet
elections:under the constitution, president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); in 2007 the Great Council of Chiefs was suspended from its role in electing the president; prime minister appointed by the president
election results:Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU was appointed by Chief Justice Anthony GATES


Legislative branch:
bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (32 seats; 14 members appointed by the president on the advice of the Great Council of Chiefs, 9 appointed by the president on the advice of the Prime Minister, 8 on the advice of the opposition leader, and 1 appointed on the advice of the council of Rotuma) and the House of Representatives (71 seats; 23 members reserved for ethnic Fijians, 19 reserved for ethnic Indians, 3 reserved for other ethnic groups, 1 reserved for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year terms)
elections:House of Representatives - last held on 6-13 May 2006 (long delayed, the next elections will be held 17 September 2014)
election results:House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - SDL 44.6%, FLP 39.2%, UPP 0.8%, independents 4.9%, other 10.5%; seats by party - SDL 36, FLP 31, UPP 2, independents 2


Judicial branch:
highest court(s):Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, all justices of the Court of Appeal, and judges appointed specifically as Supreme Court judges); Court of Appeal (consists of the court president, all puisne judges of the High Court, and judges specifically appointed to the Court of Appeal); High Court (chaired by the chief justice and includes a minimum of 10 puisne judges; High Court organized into civil, criminal, family, employment, and tax divisions)
note - in 1987, the Supreme Court assumed functions formerly performed by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
judge selection and term of office:chief justice appointed by the president of Fiji on the advice of the prime minister following consultation with the parliamentary leader of the opposition; judges of the Supreme Court, the president of the Court of Appeal, the justices of the Court of Appeal, and puisne judges of the High Court are appointed by the president of Fiji, upon the nomination of the Judicial Service Commission, after consulting with the cabinet minister and the committee of the House of Representatives responsible for the administration of justice; the chief justice, Supreme Court judges, and justices of Appeal generally required to retire at age 70, but may be waived for one or more sessions of the court; puisine judges appointed for not less than 4 years nor more than 7 years with mandatory retirement at age 65
subordinate courts:Magistrates' Court (organized into civil, criminal, juvenile, and small claims divisions)


    Political parties and leaders:
Dodonu Ni Taukei Party or DNT [Fereti S. DEWA]
Fiji Democratic Party or FDP [Filipe BOLE] (a merger of the Christian Democrat Alliance or VLV [Poesci Waqalevu BUNE], Fijian Association Party or FAP, Fijian Political Party or SVT [Sitiveni RABUKA] (primarily Fijian), and New Labor Unity Party or NLUP [Ofa SWANN])
Fiji Labor Party or FLP [Mahendra CHAUDHRY]
General Voters Party or GVP (became part of United General Party)
Girmit Heritage Party or GHP
Justice and Freedom Party or AIM
Lio 'On Famor Rotuma Party or LFR
National Federation Party or NFP [Pramond RAE] (primarily Indian)
Nationalist Vanua Takolavo Party or NVTLP [Saula TELAWA]
Party of National Unity or PANU [Ponipate LESAVUA]
Party of the Truth or POTT
United Fiji Party/Sogosogo Duavata ni Lewenivanua or SDL [Laisenia QARASE]
United Peoples Party or UPP [Millis Mick BEDDOES]


Political pressure groups and leaders:
Group Against Racial Discrimination or GARD [Dr. Anirudk SINGH] (for restoration of a democratic government)


International organization participation:
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C (suspended), CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, PIF, Sparteca (suspended), SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO


Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Winston THOMPSON (since 20 April 2009)
chancery:2000 M Street, NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20036
telephone:[1] (202) 466-8320
FAX:[1] (202) 466-8325


Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Frankie A. REED (since 15 October 2011) note - also accredited to Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu
embassy:158 Princes Rd, Tamavua
mailing address:P. O. Box 218, Suva
telephone:[679] 331-4466
FAX:[679] 330-2267


Flag description:
light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the blue symbolizes the Pacific ocean and the Union Jack reflects the links with Great Britain; the shield - taken from Fiji's coat of arms - depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered by the cross of Saint George; the four quarters depict stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove


National anthem:
name:'God Bless Fiji'

lyrics/music:Michael Francis Alexander PRESCOTT/C. Austin MILES (adapted by Michael Francis Alexander PRESCOTT)
note:adopted 1970; the anthem is known in Fijian as 'Meda Dau Doka' (Let Us Show Pride); adapted from the hymn, 'Dwelling in Beulah Land,' the anthem's English lyrics are generally sung, although they differ in meaning from the official Fijian lyrics

Economy

Economy - overview:
Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports, remittances from Fijians working abroad, and a growing tourist industry - with 400,000 to 500,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar has special access to European Union markets but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar subsidies. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity but is not efficient. Fiji's tourism industry was damaged by the December 2006 coup and is facing an uncertain recovery time. In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with substantial job losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a difficult business climate. The EU has suspended all aid until the interim government takes steps toward new elections. Long-term problems include low investment, uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's inability to manage its budget. Overseas remittances from Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have decreased significantly. Fiji's current account deficit peaked at 23% of GDP in 2006, and declined to less than 12% of GDP in 2013.


GDP (purchasing power parity):
$4.45 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 174
$4.319 billion (2012 est.)
$4.226 billion (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


GDP (official exchange rate):
$4.218 billion (2013 est.)


GDP - real growth rate:
3% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 116
2.2% (2012 est.)
1.9% (2011 est.)


GDP - per capita (PPP):
$4,900 (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 161
$4,800 (2012 est.)
$4,700 (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


GDP - composition, by end use:
household consumption:90.4%
government consumption:16%
investment in fixed capital:22.7%
investment in inventories:0%
exports of goods and services:39.7%
imports of goods and services:-68.8%
(2013 est.)


GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
agriculture:11.7%
industry:18.1%
services:70.2% (2013 est.)


Agriculture - products:
sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (manioc, tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish


Industries:
tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small cottage industries


Industrial production growth rate:
2.5% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 119

Labor force:
335,000 (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 163


Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture:70%
industry and services:30% (2001 est.)


Unemployment rate:
7.6% (1999)
country comparison to the world: 83

Population below poverty line:
31% (2009 est.)


Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%:2.6%
highest 10%:34.9% (2009 est.)


Budget:
revenues:$1.084 billion
expenditures:$1.192 billion (2013 est.)


    Taxes and other revenues:
25.7% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 117

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
-2.6% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108


Public debt:
56.2% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 54
53.5% of GDP (2012 est.)


Fiscal year:
calendar year


Inflation rate (consumer prices):
3% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 113
4.4% (2012 est.)


Central bank discount rate:
1.75% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 105
3% (31 December 2009 est.)


Commercial bank prime lending rate:
6.2% (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 119
7% (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of narrow money:
$1.549 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 135
$1.453 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of broad money:
$2.697 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 146
$2.578 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of domestic credit:
$2.168 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 131
$1.958 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Market value of publicly traded shares:
$452.5 million (31 December 2012 est.)


Current account balance:
-$492.3 million (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 99
-$425.1 million (2012 est.)


Exports:
$1.026 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 160
$932.4 million (2012 est.)


Exports - commodities:
sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil


Exports - partners:
US 14.6%, Australia 13.2%, Japan 6.9%, Samoa 5.8%, Tonga 5.1% (2012)


Imports:
$2.054 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 163
$1.867 billion (2012 est.)


Imports - commodities:
manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, food, chemicals


Imports - partners:
Singapore 32.8%, Australia 15.5%, NZ 14.5%, China 10.7% (2012)


Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$963.7 million (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 136
$921.4 million (31 December 2012 est.)


Debt - external:
$779.9 million (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 167
$685.5 million (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$3.17 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96
$2.903 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$43.03 million (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 88
$44.08 million (31 December 2012 est.)


Exchange rates:
Fijian dollars (FJD) per US dollar -
1.845 (2013 est.)
1.7899 (2012 est.)
1.9183 (2010 est.)

Energy

Electricity - production:
836.1 million kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 151


Electricity - consumption:
808.3 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157


Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 134


Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 142


Electricity - installed generating capacity:
245,100 kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157


Electricity - from fossil fuels:
49% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 156


Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 87


Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
45.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 50


Electricity - from other renewable sources:
5.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41


Crude oil - production:
30 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 124


Crude oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 111


Crude oil - imports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 184


    Crude oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 131


Refined petroleum products - production:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 142


Refined petroleum products - consumption:
17,810 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 134


Refined petroleum products - exports:
692 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 109


Refined petroleum products - imports:
10,050 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 130


Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 130


Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 144


Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 99


Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 191


Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 137


Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
1.445 million Mt (2011 est.)

Communications

Telephones - main lines in use:
88,400 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 147


Telephones - mobile cellular:
858,800 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 159


Telephone system:
general assessment:modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio communications center
domestic:telephone or radio telephone links to almost all inhabited islands; most towns and large villages have automatic telephone exchanges and direct dialing; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 100 per 100 persons
international:country code - 679; access to important cable links between US and Canada as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite earth stations - 2 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean) (2011)



    Broadcast media:
Fiji TV, a publicly traded company, operates a free-to-air channel as well as Sky Fiji and Sky Pacific multi-channel pay-TV services; state-owned commercial company, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Ltd, operates 6 radio stations - 2 public broadcasters and 4 commercial broadcasters with multiple repeaters; 5 radio stations with repeaters operated by Communications Fiji, Ltd; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2009)


Internet country code:
.fj


Internet hosts:
21,739 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 115


Internet users:
114,200 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 157

Transportation

Airports
28 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 121


Airports - with paved runways
total:4
over 3,047 m:1
1,524 to 2,437 m:1
914 to 1,523 m:2 (2013)


Airports - with unpaved runways
total:24
914 to 1,523 m:5
under 914 m:
19 (2013)


Railways
total:597 kmcountry comparison to the world: 108
narrow gauge:597 km 0.600-m gauge
note:belongs to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation; used to haul sugarcane during the harvest season, which runs from May to December (2008)


    Roadways
total:3,440 kmcountry comparison to the world: 162
paved:1,686 km
unpaved:1,754 km (2011)


Waterways
203 km (122 km are navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges) (2012)
country comparison to the world: 98


Merchant marine
total:11country comparison to the world: 108
by type:passenger 4, passenger/cargo 4, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 2
foreign-owned:2 (Australia 2) (2010)



Ports and terminals
major seaport(s):Lautoka, Levuka, Suva

Military

Military branches
Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF): Land Forces, Naval Forces (2011)


Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service; mandatory retirement at age 55 (2013)


Manpower available for military service
males age 16-49:233,240
females age 16-49:222,587 (2010 est.)


Manpower fit for military service
males age 16-49:183,730
females age 16-49:188,325 (2010 est.)


    Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually
male:8,403
female:8,039 (2010 est.)


Military expenditures
1.47% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 61
1.44% of GDP (2011)
1.47% of GDP (2010)
Information/ Data by CIA - The World Factbook

LookForAttorney.com | Country Guide of Benin

Country Guide

Benin Facts

Geography People and Society Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues

Geography

Location:
Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and Togo


Geographic coordinates:
9 30 N, 2 15 E


Map references:
Africa


Area:
total:112,622 sq kmcountry comparison to the world: 102
land:110,622 sq km
water:2,000 sq km


Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than Pennsylvania


Land boundaries:
total:2,123 km
border countries:Burkina Faso 386 km, Niger 277 km, Nigeria 809 km, Togo 651 km


Coastline:
121 km


Maritime claims:
territorial sea:200 nm

Climate:
tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north


Terrain:
mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains


Elevation extremes:
lowest point:Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point:Mont Sokbaro 658 m


    Natural resources:
small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber


Land use:
arable land:22.48%
permanent crops:2.61%
other:74.9% (2011)


Irrigated land:
230.4 sq km (2008)


Total renewable water resources:
26.39 cu km (2011)


Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
26.39 cu km (2011)

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, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
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

People and Society

Nationality:
noun: Beninese (singular and plural)
adjective:Beninese


Ethnic groups:
Fon and related 39.2%, Adja and related 15.2%, Yoruba and related 12.3%, Bariba and related 9.2%, Peulh and related 7%, Ottamari and related 6.1%, Yoa-Lokpa and related 4%, Dendi and related 2.5%, other 1.6% (includes Europeans), unspecified 2.9% (2002 census)


Languages:
French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)


Religions:
Catholic 27.1%, Muslim 24.4%, Vodoun 17.3%, Protestant 10.4% (Celestial 5%, Methodist 3.2%, other Protestant 2.2%), other Christian 5.3%, other 15.5% (2002 census)


Population:
10,160,556country comparison to the world: 88
note:estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2014 est.)



Age structure:
0-14 years:43.8% (male 2,269,896/female 2,179,026)
15-24 years:20.1% (male 1,036,963/female 1,001,400)
25-54 years:29.9% (male 1,530,283/female 1,504,201)
55-64 years:3.5% (male 149,883/female 205,701)
65 years and over:2.8% (male 112,830/female 170,373) (2014 est.)


Dependency ratios:
total dependency ratio:83 %
youth dependency ratio:77.7 %
elderly dependency ratio:5.3 %
potential support ratio:18.9 (2014 est.)


Median age:
total:17.7 years
male:17.4 years
female:18.1 years (2014 est.)


Population growth rate:
2.81% (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 17


Birth rate:
36.51 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 20


Death rate:
8.39 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 83


Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 99


Urbanization:
urban population:44.9% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization:4.12% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)


Major urban areas - population:
COTONOU (seat of government) 924,000; PORTO-NOVO (capital) 314,000 (2011)


Sex ratio:
at birth:1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.04 male(s)/female
15-24 years:1.04 male(s)/female
25-54 years:1.02 male(s)/female
55-64 years:1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.67 male(s)/female
total population:1.01 male(s)/female (2014 est.)


Mother's mean age at first birth:
20.3


Maternal mortality rate:
350 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)


Infant mortality rate:
total:57.09 deaths/1,000 live birthscountry comparison to the world: 26
male:60.26 deaths/1,000 live births
female:53.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)


    Life expectancy at birth:
total population:61.07 yearscountry comparison to the world: 191
male:59.75 years
female:62.47 years (2014 est.)


Total fertility rate:
5.04 children born/woman (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 16


Contraceptive prevalence rate:
12.9% (2012)


Health expenditures:
4.6% of GDP (2011)


Physicians density:
0.06 physicians/1,000 population (2008)


Hospital bed density:
0.5 beds/1,000 population (2010)


Drinking water source:
improved:
urban: 84.5% of population
rural: 69.1% of population
total: 76.1% of population
unimproved:
urban: 15.5% of population
rural: 30.9% of population
total: 23.9% of population (2012 est.)


Sanitation facility access:
improved:
urban: 25.3% of population
rural: 5.1% of population
total: 14.3% of population
unimproved:
urban: 74.7% of population
rural: 94.9% of population
total: 85.7% of population (2012 est.)


HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
1.1% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 45


HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
71,500 (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 53


HIV/AIDS - deaths:
3,100 (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 52


Major infectious diseases:


Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
6% (2008)country comparison to the world: 151


Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
20.2% (2006)country comparison to the world: 30


Education expenditures:
5.3% of GDP (2010)country comparison to the world: 64

Literacy:
definition:age 15 and over can read and write
total population:42.4%
male:55.2%
female:30.3% (2010 census)


School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total:11 years
male:13 years
female:9 years (2011)


Child labor - children ages 5-14:



Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
total:0.8%country comparison to the world: 147
male:1.1%
female:0.6% (2002)

Government

Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Benin
conventional short form:Benin
local long form:Republique du Benin
local short form:Benin
former:Dahomey


Government type:
republic


Capital:
name:Porto-Novo (official capital); Cotonou (seat of government)
geographic coordinates:6 29 N, 2 37 E
time difference:UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)


Administrative divisions:
12 departments; Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou


Independence:
1 August 1960 (from France)


National holiday:
National Day, 1 August (1960)


Constitution:
previous 1946, 1958 (preindependence); latest adopted by referendum 2 December 1990, promulgated 11 December 1990 (2012)


Legal system:
civil law system modeled largely on the French system and some customary law


International law organization participation:
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction


Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal


Executive branch:
chief of state:President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government:President Thomas YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006); Prime Minister Pascal KOUPAKI (since 28 May 2011)
cabinet:Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections:president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); last held on 13 March 2011 (next to be held in March 2016)
election results:Thomas YAYI Boni re-elected president; percent of vote - Thomas YAYI Boni 53.1%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI 35.6%, Abdoulaye Bio TCHANE 6.1%, other 5.2%


Legislative branch:
unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections:last held on 30 April 2011 (next to be held in 2015)
election results:percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FCBE 41, UN 30, other 12


Judicial branch:
highest court(s):Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of the court president and 3 chamber presidents organized into an administrative division, judicial chamber, and chamber of accounts) Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle (consists of 7 members including the court president); High Court of Justice (consists of the Constitutional Court members, 6 members appointed by the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court president)
note - jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice is to limited cases of high treason by the national president or members of the government
judge selection and term of office:Supreme Court president and judges appointed by the national president upon the advice of the National Assembly; judges appointed for single renewable 5-year terms; Constitutional Court members - 4 appointed by the National Assembly and 3 by the national president; members appointed for single renewable 5-year terms; High Court of Justice 'other' members elected by the National Assembly; member tenure NA
subordinate courts:Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; district courts; village courts; Assize courts


    Political parties and leaders:
Be African Movement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou FAGBOHOUN]; Alliance of Progress Forces or AFP; Benin Renaissance or RB [Rosine SOGLO]; Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Force Cowrie for an Emerging Benin or FCBE [Yayi BONI]; Impulse for Progress and Democracy or IPD [Theophile NATA]; Key Force or FC [Lazare SÈHOUÉTO]; Movement for the People's Alternative or MAP [Olivier CAPO-CHICHI]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Dominique HOUNGNINOU]; Social Democrat Party or PSD [Emmanuel GOLOU]; Union for Democracy and National Solidarity or UDS [Sacca LAFIA]; Union for the Relief or UPR [Issa SALIFOU]; Union Makes the Nation or UN [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI] (superceded Alliance for Dynamic Democracy or ADD)
note:approximately 20 additional minor parties


Political pressure groups and leaders:
Be African Movement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou FAGBOHOUN]; Alliance of Progress Forces or AFP; Benin Renaissance or RB [Rosine SOGLO]; Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Force Cowrie for an Emerging Benin or FCBE [Yayi BONI]; Impulse for Progress and Democracy or IPD [Theophile NATA]; Key Force or FC [Lazare SÈHOUÉTO]; Movement for the People's Alternative or MAP [Olivier CAPO-CHICHI]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Dominique HOUNGNINOU]; Social Democrat Party or PSD [Emmanuel GOLOU]; Union for Democracy and National Solidarity or UDS [Sacca LAFIA]; Union for the Relief or UPR [Issa SALIFOU]; Union Makes the Nation or UN [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI] (superceded Alliance for Dynamic Democracy or ADD)
note:approximately 20 additional minor parties



International organization participation:
ACP, AfDB, AU, CD, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO


Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Omar AROUNA (since 21 May 2014)
chancery:2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:[1] (202) 232-6656
FAX:[1] (202) 265-1996


Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Michael RAYNOR (since 24 May 2012)
embassy:Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou
mailing address:01 B. P. 2012, Cotonou
telephone:[229] 21-30-06-50
FAX:[229] 21-30-66-82


Flag description:
two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom) with a vertical green band on the hoist side; green symbolizes hope and revival, yellow wealth, and red courage


National symbol(s):
leopard


National anthem:
name:'L'Aube Nouvelle' (The Dawn of a New Day)

lyrics/music:Gilbert Jean DAGNON
note:adopted 1960

Economy

Economy - overview:
The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output had averaged almost 4% before the global recession and it has returned to roughly that level in 2011-12. Inflation has subsided over the past several years. In order to raise growth, Benin plans to attract more foreign investment, place more emphasis on tourism, facilitate the development of new food processing systems and agricultural products, and encourage new information and communication technology. Specific projects to improve the business climate by reforms to the land tenure system, the commercial justice system, and the financial sector were included in Benin's $307 million Millennium Challenge Account grant signed in February 2006. The 2001 privatization policy continues in telecommunications, water, electricity, and agriculture. The Paris Club and bilateral creditors have eased the external debt situation with Benin benefiting from a G-8 debt reduction announced in July 2005, while pressing for more rapid structural reforms. An insufficient electrical supply continues to adversely affect Benin's economic growth though the government recently has taken steps to increase domestic power production. Private foreign direct investment is small, and foreign aid accounts for the majority of investment in infrastructure projects. Cotton, a key export, suffered from flooding in 2010-11, but high prices supported export earnings. The government agreed to a 25% increase in civil servant salaries in 2011, following a series of strikes, increasing pressure on the national budget. Benin has appealed for international assistance to mitigate piracy against commercial shipping in its territory.


GDP (purchasing power parity):
$16.65 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 141
$15.86 billion (2012 est.)
$15.04 billion (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


GDP (official exchange rate):
$8.359 billion (2013 est.)


GDP - real growth rate:
5% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 59
5.4% (2012 est.)
3.5% (2011 est.)


GDP - per capita (PPP):
$1,600 (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 202
$1,600 (2012 est.)
$1,500 (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


Gross national saving:
9.9% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 135
9% of GDP (2012 est.)
7.9% of GDP (2011 est.)


GDP - composition, by end use:
household consumption:NA cu m
government consumption:12.7%
investment in fixed capital:18.6%
investment in inventories:0.2%
exports of goods and services:13.2%
imports of goods and services:-26%
(2013 est.)


GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
agriculture:31.6%
industry:12.9%
services:55.6% (2013 est.)


Agriculture - products:
cotton, corn, cassava (manioc, tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, cashews; livestock


Industries:
textiles, food processing, construction materials, cement


Industrial production growth rate:
3.7% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 79

Labor force:
3.662 million (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 95


Unemployment rate:
NA%


Population below poverty line:
37.4% (2007 est.)


    Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%:3.1%
highest 10%:29% (2003)


Distribution of family income - Gini index:
36.5 (2003)
country comparison to the world: 85

Budget:
revenues:$1.712 billion
expenditures:$1.825 billion (2013 est.)


Taxes and other revenues:
20.5% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 159

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
-1.3% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 67


Public debt:
29.7% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 124
31.9% of GDP (2012 est.)


Fiscal year:
calendar year


Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2.4% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 88
6.8% (2012 est.)


Central bank discount rate:
4.25% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 91
4.25% (31 December 2009 est.)


Commercial bank prime lending rate:
NA%


Stock of narrow money:
$1.889 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 126
$1.755 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of broad money:
$3.06 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 144
$2.943 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of domestic credit:
$1.511 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 144
$1.529 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Market value of publicly traded shares:
$NA


Current account balance:
-$699.3 million (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 111
-$684.9 million (2012 est.)


Exports:
$1.108 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157
$1.071 billion (2012 est.)


Exports - commodities:
cotton, cashews, shea butter, textiles, palm products, seafood


Exports - partners:
China 25%, India 23.5%, Lebanon 18.7%, Niger 4.3%, Nigeria 4% (2012)


Imports:
$1.835 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 166
$1.755 billion (2012 est.)


Imports - commodities:
foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products


Imports - partners:
China 37.2%, US 8.9%, India 6.7%, France 5.6%, Malaysia 5.3% (2012)


Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$720.3 million (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 144
$712.8 million (31 December 2012 est.)


Debt - external:
$1.236 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 156
$1.123 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Exchange rates:
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
500.7 (2013 est.)
510.53 (2012 est.)
495.28 (2010 est.)
472.19 (2009)
447.81 (2008)

Energy

Electricity - production:
142.1 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 191


Electricity - consumption:
870.1 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 155


Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 109


Electricity - imports:
935 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 66


Electricity - installed generating capacity:
61,000 kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 183


Electricity - from fossil fuels:
98.4% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55


Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 53


Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
1.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 140


Electricity - from other renewable sources:
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 159


Crude oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 155


Crude oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 88


Crude oil - imports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 163


    Crude oil - proved reserves:
8 million bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 93


Refined petroleum products - production:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 124


Refined petroleum products - consumption:
29,170 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 116


Refined petroleum products - exports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 156


Refined petroleum products - imports:
34,840 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 87


Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 106


Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 123


Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 68


Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 164


Natural gas - proved reserves:
1.133 billion cu m (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 102


Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
4.655 million Mt (2011 est.)

Communications

Telephones - main lines in use:
156,700 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 135


Telephones - mobile cellular:
8.408 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 90


Telephone system:
general assessment:inadequate system of open-wire, microwave radio relay, and cellular connections; fixed-line network characterized by aging, deteriorating equipment
domestic:fixed-line teledensity only about 2 per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular providers, cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly
international:country code - 229; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; long distance fiber-optic links with Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat-Atlantic Ocean) (2008)



    Broadcast media:
state-run Office de Radiodiffusion et de Television du Benin (ORTB) operates a TV station with multiple channels giving it a wide broadcast reach; several privately owned TV stations broadcast from Cotonou; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio, under ORTB control, includes a national station supplemented by a number of regional stations; substantial number of privately owned radio broadcast stations; transmissions of a few international broadcasters are available on FM in Cotonou (2007)


Internet country code:
.bj


Internet hosts:
491 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 183


Internet users:
200,100 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 139

Transportation

Airports
6 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 171


Airports - with paved runways
total:1
1,524 to 2,437 m:1 (2013)


Airports - with unpaved runways
total:5
2,438 to 3,047 m:2
1,524 to 2,437 m:1
914 to 1,523 m:2 (2013)


Railways
total:438 kmcountry comparison to the world: 113
narrow gauge:438 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)


    Roadways
total:16,000 kmcountry comparison to the world: 119
paved:1,400 km
unpaved:14,600 km (2006)


Waterways
150 km (seasonal navigation on River Niger along northern border) (2011)
country comparison to the world: 102


Ports and terminals
major seaport(s):Cotonou

Military

Military branches
Benin Armed Forces (Forces Armees Beninoises, FAB): Army (l'Arme de Terre), Benin Navy (Forces Navales Beninois, FNB), Benin Air Force (Force Aerienne du Benin, FAB) (2013)


Military service age and obligation
18-35 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service; a higher education diploma is required; both sexes are eligible for military service; conscript tour of duty - 18 months (2013)


Manpower available for military service
males age 16-49:2,095,373
females age 16-49:2,038,351 (2010 est.)


Manpower fit for military service
males age 16-49:1,385,065
females age 16-49:1,400,045 (2010 est.)


    Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually
male:108,496
female:104,526 (2010 est.)


Military expenditures
1.03% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 100
NA% (2011)
1.03% of GDP (2010)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international
talks continue between Benin and Togo on funding the Adjrala hydroelectric dam on the Mona River; Benin retains a border dispute with Burkina Faso around the town of Koualou; location of Benin-Niger-Nigeria tripoint is unresolved


    Illicit drugs
transshipment point used by traffickers for cocaine destined for Western Europe; vulnerable to money laundering due to poorly enforced financial regulations (2008)
Information/ Data by CIA - The World Factbook