Photo: Shubert Ciencia derivative work: JamesA · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Benin
Benin places highest on GDP Growth (top 4% worldwide) and lowest on World Energy Trilemma Index (bottom 2%).
Benin in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
14,111,034
people
since 1950
Land area
112,760
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
4,116
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
60.77
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.515
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
1.589
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Benin
Key facts about Benin
- Capital
- Porto-Novo
- Official language
- French
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
- ISO code
- BEN · BJ
- Domain · dialling
- .bj · +229
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Benin’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
10thof 181
From 3 of 3 key statistics
68thof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
70thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
69thof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
89thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
94thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
108thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
87thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint104thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
126thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
124thof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
129thof 175
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint146thof 171
From 3 of 4 key statistics
174thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
182ndof 200
From 4 of 4 key statistics
186thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Benin’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Benin in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Benin stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Benin sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Benin does best5
In the top third of all countries measured. 3 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 5th
Position · derived 5th of 78 · 3.883 · 2025
world median 3.246 (better) · ▲ 20 pts since 2015
- 9thGDP Growthtop 4%
Position · derived 9th of 186 · 8.074 · 2025
world median 3.396 (better) · ▲ 63 pts since 2015
- 10th
Position · derived 10th of 182 · 75.16 · 2025
world median 53.36 (better) · ▲ 3 pts since 2015
- Youth Unemployment Ratetop 6%
Position · derived 172nd of 182 · 1 = worst · 2.887 · 2025
world median 12.83 (better)
Position · derived 13th of 182 · 75.14 · 2025
world median 57.72 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2015
Where Benin struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 4 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 3rd
- 8thMaternal Mortality Ratiobottom 4%
Position · derived 8th of 195 · 1 = worst · 518.23 · 2023
world median 46.65 (worse) · ▼ 2 pts since 2013
- 9thLife Expectancy at Birthbottom 4%
Position · derived 214th of 222 · 60.77 · 2023
world median 74.63 (worse) · ▼ 5 pts since 2013
- 10thMean Years of Schoolingbottom 5%
Position · derived 184th of 193 · 3.194 · 2023
world median 9.933 (worse)
- Under-Five Mortality Ratebottom 6%
Position · derived 12th of 200 · 1 = worst · 74.75 · 2024
world median 14.54 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Benin can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
129th
of 141 · 1990
173rd
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
93rd
of 173 · 2012
70th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
74th
of 79 · 1990
153rd
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
124th
of 132 · 2022
118th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
99th
of 140 · 1995
117th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
130th
of 172 · 2020
90th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Benin has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Livestock Production Index+57 pts since 2012
- Crop Production Index+54 pts since 2012
Losing ground
Where Benin has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Debt Service on External Debt-66 pts since 2014
- Deaths in Organized Violence-47 pts since 2015
- Government Internet Shutdowns-47 pts since 2015
05In context
Benin and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Western Africa
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
- =74
Cabo Verde - 105
Ghana - 119
Senegal - 121
Côte d’Ivoire - 123Benin
- =125
Togo - =140
Sierra Leone - 144
Nigeria - 147
Liberia - =150
Burkina Faso - 152
Guinea - 158
Mali - =159
Gambia - 162
Mauritania - 166
Niger - 168
Guinea-Bissau
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Benin
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions29
Agriculture Orientation Index97th of 132position · derived0.17Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
bottom 25% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Benin 0.17 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Central Bank Independence Indextop 6%0.841CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
top 6% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Benin 0.841 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
No real change since 2013
Civic Space Ratings105th of 198position · derived48.8Civic space score (0–100)2025
bottom 47% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Benin 48.8 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)111th of 192rank0.372ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
bottom 42% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Benin 0.372 · world median 0.387 (worse)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 35%92.6Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
bottom 35% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Benin 92.6 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption108th of 211position · derived-0.211Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 49% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Benin -0.211 · world median -0.197 (worse)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index70th of 181rank45CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 39% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Benin 45 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment5th of 78position · derived3.883IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
top 5% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Benin 3.883 · world median 3.246 (better)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt19th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst26.81Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
bottom 17% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Benin 26.81 · world median 12.93 (worse)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▼ -66 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)28th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst66.55External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
bottom 25% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Benin 66.55 · world median 43.94 (worse)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▼ -40 percentile points since 2014
General Government Consumption120th of 132position · derived8.871General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 9% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Benin 8.871 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index90th of 195rank41.71AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 46% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Benin 41.71 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +30 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness123rd of 209position · derived-0.167Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
bottom 41% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Benin -0.167 · world median 0.101 (worse)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Government Spending on Education78th of 123position · derived3.23Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
bottom 37% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Benin 3.23 · world median 3.709 (worse)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
GovTech Maturity Index82nd of 196position · derived0.723GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 42% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Benin 0.723 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
No real change since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index99th of 175position · derived0.598Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
bottom 44% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Benin 0.598 · world median 0.676 (worse)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index93rd of 176position · derived0.323Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 47% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Benin 0.323 · world median 0.353 (worse)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory82nd of 168rank59ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 50% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Benin 59 · world median 59
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +26 percentile points since 2015
Political Corruption Index134th of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.191Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 24% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Benin 0.191 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment130th of 135position · derived2.64Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
bottom 4% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Benin 2.64 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill141st of 168position · derived4.358Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
bottom 16% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Benin 4.358 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality122nd of 209position · derived-0.296Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 42% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Benin -0.296 · world median -0.093 (worse)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Rule of Law133rd of 211position · derived-0.456Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 37% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Benin -0.456 · world median -0.102 (worse)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators90th of 188position · derived71.03SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 48% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Benin 71.03 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2016
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index90th of 176position · derived0.493Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 49% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Benin 0.493 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability124th of 206position · derived-0.341Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 40% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Benin -0.341 · world median -0.022 (worse)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Women, Business and the Law78th of 190position · derived83.75WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 42% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Benin 83.75 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation26
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution107th of 139position · derived51.84Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 23% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Benin 51.84 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2014
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)23rd of 158position · derived22.92Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 14% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Benin 22.92 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Crop Production Index27th of 195position · derived128.14Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 13% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Benin 128.14 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +54 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports114th of 170position · derived14.52Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 33% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Benin 14.52 · world median 25.42 (worse)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index117th of 145rank-0.98ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
bottom 19% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Benin -0.98 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)118th of 138position · derived17.05Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 15% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Benin 17.05 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit74th of 179position · derived40.87Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 41% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Benin 40.87 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index32nd of 195position · derived126.25Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 16% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Benin 126.25 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▲ +47 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowstop 49%1.997FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
top 49% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Benin 1.997 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2015
GDP Growth9th of 186position · derived8.074GDP growth (annual %)2025
top 4% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Benin 8.074 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▲ +63 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)155th of 185position · derived4,116GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 16% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Benin 4,116 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Global Innovation Index118th of 139rank17.81GII score (0–100)2025
bottom 15% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Benin 17.81 · world median 28.52 (worse)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)81st of 102position · derived4,028GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 21% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Benin 4,028 · world median 14,273 (worse)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)7th of 131position · derived35.83Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
top 5% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Benin 35.83 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▲ +65 percentile points since 2015
Household Consumption77th of 131position · derived58.31Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 42% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Benin 58.31 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▼ -37 percentile points since 2015
ICT Goods Exports89th of 119position · derived0.18ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
bottom 26% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Benin 0.18 · world median 0.975 (worse)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)124th of 138position · derived20.06Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 10% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Benin 20.06 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)128th of 158position · derived17.5Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 19% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Benin 17.5 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index66th of 175rank78.05LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 39% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Benin 78.05 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Production Index20th of 194position · derived140.91Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 10% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Benin 140.91 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +57 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index66th of 139rank2.9LPI score (1–5)2023
top 49% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Benin 2.9 · world median 2.9
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)72nd of 132position · derived10.15Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 46% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Benin 10.15 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
No real change since 2015
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productstop 18%10.16Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
top 18% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
Benin 10.16 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)87th of 180position · derived2.304Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
top 44% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Benin 2.304 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)124th of 138position · derived37.12Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
bottom 10% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Benin 37.12 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index97th of 99rank35.4Trilemma score (0–100)2023
bottom 2% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Benin 35.4 · world median 63.8 (worse)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked51st of 182position · derived42.06Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
top 28% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Benin 42.06 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture39th of 182position · derived40.24Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
top 21% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Benin 40.24 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry100th of 182position · derived18.32Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
bottom 45% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Benin 18.32 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services149th of 182position · derived41.44Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
bottom 18% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Benin 41.44 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio13th of 182position · derived75.14Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 7% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Benin 75.14 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate10th of 182position · derived75.16Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 5% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Benin 75.16 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager45th of 179position · derived24.39Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 25% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Benin 24.39 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed149th of 168position · derived9,326GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
bottom 11% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Benin 9,326 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate16th of 182position · derived76.36Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 8% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Benin 76.36 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked163rd of 182position · derived4.22Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
bottom 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Benin 4.22 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate16th of 182position · derived79.83Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
top 8% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Benin 79.83 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate170th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst1.589Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 7% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Benin 1.589 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Vulnerable Employment14th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst78.53Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 7% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Benin 78.53 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Working Poverty Ratebottom 32%18.28Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
bottom 32% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Benin 18.28 · world median 4.885 (worse)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate172nd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst2.887Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Benin 2.887 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
No real change since 2015
Education & Knowledge10
Academic Freedom Index71st of 176position · derived0.709Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 40% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Benin 0.709 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate160th of 172position · derived51.38Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 7% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Benin 51.38 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling170th of 195position · derived10.45Expected years of schooling2023
bottom 13% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Benin 10.45 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2013
Harmonized Test Scores122nd of 172position · derived383.92Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
bottom 29% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Benin 383.92 · world median 414.32 (worse)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2010
Learning Poverty46th of 125position · derived · 1 = worst55.7810-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
bottom 36% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
Benin 55.78 · world median 34.02 (worse)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School133rd of 172position · derived5.666Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
bottom 23% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Benin 5.666 · world median 7.941 (worse)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2010
Mean Years of Schooling184th of 193position · derived3.194Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
bottom 5% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Benin 3.194 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Primary Completion Rate141st of 165position · derived70.1Primary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 15% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Benin 70.1 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Upper Secondary Completion Rate141st of 164position · derived18.29Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 14% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Benin 18.29 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 9%71.2515–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 9% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Benin 71.25 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing20
Children with Functional Difficultiestop 44%13.8Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
top 44% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Benin 13.8 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply94th of 155position · derived2,846Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
bottom 39% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Benin 2,846 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months56th of 136position · derived44.95Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
top 41% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Benin 44.95 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Female Genital Mutilation Prevalencetop 23%9.2Women aged 15-49 who have undergone FGM (%)2024
top 23% of 31 countries measured
UNICEF · Women aged 15-49 who have undergone FGM (%)
Benin 9.2 · world median 34.1 (better)
Best in the world 0.3 (Uganda)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index153rd of 172rank0.573GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
bottom 11% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Benin 0.573 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index16th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.29MPI (0–1)2025
bottom 14% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Benin 0.29 · world median 0.039 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
No real change since 2018
Global Violent Deaths154th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst1.35Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 26% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Benin 1.35 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▲ +31 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index145th of 172position · derived0.4HCI score (0–1)2020
bottom 16% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Benin 0.4 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index173rd of 193rank0.515HDI score (0–1)2023
bottom 10% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Benin 0.515 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate17th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst45.19Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 8% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Benin 45.19 · world median 12.26 (worse)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
INFORM Severity Index65th of 81position · derived · 1 = worst2.2INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
top 18% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Benin 2.2 · world median 3.1 (better)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
No real change since 2024
Life Expectancy at Age 65195th of 222position · derived13.38Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
bottom 12% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Benin 13.38 · world median 16.39 (worse)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth214th of 222position · derived60.77Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
bottom 4% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Benin 60.77 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio8th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst518.23Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
bottom 4% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Benin 518.23 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare85th of 178position · derived2.06Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 47% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Benin 2.06 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity31st of 127position · derived · 1 = worst15Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
bottom 23% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Benin 15 · world median 4.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment40th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst14.3Population undernourished (%)2023
bottom 24% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Benin 14.3 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five22nd of 162position · derived · 1 = worst34.13Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
bottom 13% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Benin 34.13 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate12th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst74.75Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 6% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Benin 74.75 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children13th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst88Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
bottom 13% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Benin 88 · world median 75.8 (worse)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital8
Access to Electricitybottom 12%59Population with electricity access (%)2024
bottom 12% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Benin 59 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Cereal Yield155th of 179position · derived1,127Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
bottom 13% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Benin 1,127 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Child Marriage41st of 143position · derived · 1 = worst27.5Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
bottom 28% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Benin 27.5 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality12th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst38.47Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
bottom 7% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Benin 38.47 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2019
Gender Development Index166th of 184position · derived0.866Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 10% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Benin 0.866 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index158th of 169position · derived0.316IHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 7% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Benin 0.316 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2019
Net Official Development Assistance Received43rd of 130position · derived5.309Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
top 33% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Benin 5.309 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
No real change since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI136th of 156position · derived0.504PHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 13% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Benin 0.504 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
No real change since 2013
Environment & Sustainability23
Agricultural Emissions111th of 193position · derived6,836Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
bottom 44% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Benin 6,836 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land86th of 121position · derived1.144Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
bottom 29% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Benin 1.144 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land92nd of 209position · derived41.83Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
top 44% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Benin 41.83 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Arable Land per Person37th of 206position · derived0.251Arable land (hectares per person)2023
top 18% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Benin 0.251 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity58th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst579.21Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
bottom 30% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Benin 579.21 · world median 468.81 (worse)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)172nd of 190rank0.584ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
bottom 10% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Benin 0.584 · world median 0.45 (worse)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita180th of 210position · derived · 1 = worst0.419Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
top 14% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Benin 0.419 · world median 3.21 (better)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Ecological Footprint100th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst1.042Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
top 21% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Benin 1.042 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
No real change since 2015
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)top 27%2.045Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
top 27% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Benin 2.045 · world median 2.738 (better)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare132nd of 188position · derived33.17Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
bottom 31% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Benin 33.17 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area114th of 210position · derived26.47Forest area (% of land area)2023
bottom 47% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Benin 26.47 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster87th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst3,700New displacements by disaster (people)2024
top 46% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Benin 3,700 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2016
Land Under Cereal Production49th of 179position · derived2,429,628Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 27% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Benin 2,429,628 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density102nd of 188position · derived0.48Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 46% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Benin 0.48 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation170th of 190position · derived3.96Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 12% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Benin 3.96 · world median 35.66 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index145th of 190rank39.42ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
bottom 24% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Benin 39.42 · world median 47.44 (worse)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area73rd of 150position · derived0.89Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 46% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Benin 0.89 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +34 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita144th of 181position · derived748.57Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
bottom 21% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Benin 748.57 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation169th of 190position · derived3.96Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 13% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Benin 3.96 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress160th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst0.98Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
top 10% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Benin 0.98 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector128th of 171position · derived25.21Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 26% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Benin 25.21 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationbottom 40%3.96Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 40% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Benin 3.96 · world median 5.769 (worse)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index162nd of 193position · derived · 1 = worst1.62WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
top 16% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Benin 1.62 · world median 4.17 (better)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality3
Sex Ratio at Birthbottom 30%104.1Male births per 100 female births2023
bottom 30% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Benin 104.1 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
No real change since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index43rd of 140position · derived · 1 = worst34.4SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
bottom 30% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Benin 34.4 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index36th of 176position · derived0.882Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
top 20% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Benin 0.882 · world median 0.772 (better)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index94th of 176position · derived0.304Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 47% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Benin 0.304 · world median 0.339 (worse)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index73rd of 176position · derived0.387Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
top 41% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Benin 0.387 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index96th of 176position · derived0.676Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
bottom 45% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Benin 0.676 · world median 0.693 (worse)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media68th of 176position · derived0.932Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 38% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Benin 0.932 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
No real change since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns83rd of 176position · derived1.119Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 47% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Benin 1.119 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▼ -47 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indexbottom 7%0.5Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
bottom 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Benin 0.5 · world median 0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▼ -31 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index93rd of 176position · derived0.28Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 47% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Benin 0.28 · world median 0.298 (worse)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index65th of 176position · derived0.871Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 37% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Benin 0.871 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security6
Deaths in Organized Violence33rd of 59position · derived · 1 = worst160Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
bottom 16% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Benin 160 · world median 0 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
▼ -47 percentile points since 2015
Global Militarisation Index106th of 149rank · 1 = worst73.95GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
top 29% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Benin 73.95 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index35th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst5.6INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
bottom 19% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Benin 5.6 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence149th of 211position · derived-0.399Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 30% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Benin -0.399 · world median 0.171 (worse)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors100th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-0.928Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 42% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Benin -0.928 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Origintop 50%1,279Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
top 50% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Benin 1,279 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 29%11,947Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 29% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Benin 11,947 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +31 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumtop 48%16,974Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
top 48% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Benin 16,974 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade2
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs82nd of 174position · derived · 1 = worst4.798Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
bottom 47% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Benin 4.798 · world median 4.456 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Net Migration Ratetop 47%-0.014Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 47% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Benin -0.014 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
No real change since 2013
Poverty & Inequality1
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Linestop 27%36.2Population below the national poverty line (%)2025
top 27% of 160 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the national poverty line (%)
Benin 36.2 · world median 21.8
Highest 82.3 (South Sudan)
No earlier reading to compare
Money & Public Finance1
Short-Term Share of External Debttop 49%8.965Short-term debt (% of total external debt)2024
top 49% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Short-term debt (% of total external debt)
Benin 8.965 · world median 9.376 (better)
Best in the world 0 (5 countries tied)
▲ +45 percentile points since 2014
Energy5
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)top 4%128.71Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
top 4% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
Benin 128.71 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
No real change since 2014
Nuclear Share of Electricity Generationbottom 41%0Nuclear (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 41% of 183 countries measured
Ember · Nuclear (% of electricity generated)
Benin 0 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
No real change since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitabottom 18%7.411Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
bottom 18% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Benin 7.411 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scorebottom 17%18.3Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 17% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Benin 18.3 · world median 48.23 (worse)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scorebottom 17%15.32Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 17% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Benin 15.32 · world median 33.26 (worse)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2013
Digital & Technology2
Mobile Phone Ownership126th of 140position · derived77.03Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 10% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
Benin 77.03 · world median 91.68 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
Smartphone Ownership127th of 140position · derived29.03Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 9% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
Benin 29.03 · world median 78.78 (worse)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratetop 6%33.88Births per 1,000 population2023
top 6% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Benin 33.88 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Crude Death Ratetop 33%8.797Deaths per 1,000 population2023
top 33% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Benin 8.797 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationbottom 8%17.77Median age (years)2023
bottom 8% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Benin 17.77 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overbottom 13%3.088Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
bottom 13% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Benin 3.088 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitytop 41%125.14People per square kilometre of land2023
top 41% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Benin 125.14 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Population Growth Ratetop 10%2.507Population growth (% per year)2023
top 10% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Benin 2.507 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15top 7%41.84Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
top 7% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Benin 41.84 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationtop 31%100.54Males per 100 females2023
top 31% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Benin 100.54 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiotop 8%81.57People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
top 8% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Benin 81.57 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratetop 6%4.556Live births per woman2023
top 6% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Benin 4.556 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
No real change since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Benin. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2020
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2018
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Cereal Import Dependency Ratio · last seen 2008
- Container Port Traffic · last seen 2019
- Cost of Sending Remittances · last seen 2020
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Share of Researchers
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2022
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Gini Index · last seen 2021
- Global Report on Food Crises
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2015
- Gross Savings (% of GDP) · last seen 2023
- ICT Services Exports · last seen 2023
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2022
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2021
- Income Share Held by Richest 10% · last seen 2021
- Informal Employment Rate
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · last seen 2021
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2022
- Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiary · last seen 2022
- Palma Ratio · last seen 2021
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2021
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2018
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2021
- Research and Development Spending
- Researchers per Million Inhabitants
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2022
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2022
- Societal Poverty Rate · last seen 2021
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2022
- Trade Union Density
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2022
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2022
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Benin can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 38 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Benin on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Benin: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/benin