Benin

Benin is a small West African nation bordering Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with its economic hub in Cotonou and political capital in Porto-Novo. A founding member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), it uses the CFA franc and shares a common central bank with seven regional neighbours. The country is administratively stable by regional standards, holding regular elections since its 1990 democratic transition. Its economy relies on re-export trade with Nigeria, cotton agriculture, and a growing port sector at Cotonou. Infrastructure is limited outside urban centres, and healthcare provision remains basic. French is the sole official language; several dozen local languages are widely spoken. Naturalisation requires ten years of lawful residence. Dual citizenship is permitted.