Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the north, and Niger to the northeast. The country has a population of approximately 11.5 million people and its capital is Porto-Novo, while Cotonou is its largest city and economic center.

Formerly known as Dahomey, Benin gained independence from France in 1960. It has a rich history as a major center of the Dahomey Kingdom and the Atlantic slave trade. Benin is known for its diverse culture, particularly its vibrant music, dance, and art traditions.

Benin's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with key exports including cotton, palm oil, and cocoa. The country has made strides in improving governance and reducing poverty in recent years, but continues to face challenges such as corruption and inadequate access to healthcare and education.

Benin is a member of the African Union, the United Nations, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The official language is French, with several indigenous languages also widely spoken throughout the country.