(Africa) Republic of Benin

BENIN (ca. Catanou)

• Benin is not Benin City in Nigeria nor is it related to the Benin Kingdom/Benin bronzes, but of the body of water, Bight of Benin, on which the country lies.
• Benin is considered by a few to be a model democracy in Africa.
• Marthieu Kérékou (from converting to Islam to becoming a Christian; ended his rule in 2006) is widely praised for making no effort to change the constitution so that he could remain in office or run again, unlike many African leaders.
• In a 2004 study by NationMaster, Benin was found to be the most corrupt out of 95 countries analyzed.
• The economy of Benin is dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade.
• Lack of women's wage equality, the use of child labour, and the continuing issue of forced labour.
• A third of the population live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 per day.
• Benin had one of the highest death rates for children under the age of five in the world.
• Many Beninese continue to hold Vodun and Orisha beliefs and have incorporated into Christianity the pantheon of Vodun and Orisha.
• Women are particularly subject to illiteracy. - from above Ref. Wikipedia
• Youtube (8:56): Benin, Africa - Fresh Water Well Short Documentary
• "She [Kerekou's wife] said, "The country of Benin wants to hear about God." - Francis Loko, Benin's Ambassador to Canada
• "We forget that the human dimension is also a spiritual dimension." - Loko
• Youtube (24:10): Magic and Murder (Sacrificing children is still being practiced, part of witchcraft.)
• Youtube (2:47): Benin battles belief in sorcery