Benin
Republic of Benin · Western Africa
Updated 8 November 2026
Benin is a country in Western Africa with its capital in Porto-Novo. Its head of state is Romuald Wadagni. On DiploMaps you can see Benin on the world map with its leaders, economy, trade and UN votes, and its relations with the United Arab Emirates.
Key facts
- Capital
- Porto-Novo
- Head of state and government
- Romuald WadagniPresident of Benin (born 1976)
- Foreign minister
- Corinne Amori BrunetBeninese diplomat
- Population
- 14.8 million (2025)
- Area
- 112,622 km²
- GDP
- $24.6 billion (2025)
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Official languages
- French
- United Nations
- Member since 1990
- Region
- Western Africa · Africa
Benin and the UAE
- UAE exports to it (2025)
- $73.8 million
- UAE imports from it (2025)
- $1 billion
- Visa for UAE citizens
- No visa needed90 days Medical treatment: 90 days Study: 90 days Work: 90 days Individuals wishing to stay in the country for more than 90 days are required to apply for a residence permit in accordance with the approved procedures
Memberships
- African Union
- Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
- ECOWAS
- Non-Aligned Movement
- Group of 77
- NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty)
- ICC (Rome Statute)