Rank #21 by World Population
🇧🇯Benin
Benin has a population of 14,111,034, ranking #21 in the world. The capital is Porto-Novo. Located in Sub-Saharan Africa .
World Bank: Lower middle income
14,111,034
Population
#21
World Rank
60.8
Life Expectancy
$1,394
GDP Per Capita
Benin, #21 by world population
Benin Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Benin had a population of 2,517,286 in 1960 and 14,462,724 in 2024, a 5.7× growth over 64 years. The peak was 14,462,724 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.77%.
14,462,724
Population (2024)
2,517,286
Population (1960)
14,462,724
Peak (2024)
2.77%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 2,517,286 |
| 1961 | 2,559,223 |
| 1962 | 2,604,659 |
| 1963 | 2,652,908 |
| 1964 | 2,704,003 |
| 1965 | 2,757,936 |
| 1966 | 2,814,317 |
| 1967 | 2,872,997 |
| 1968 | 2,934,257 |
| 1969 | 2,998,222 |
| 1970 | 3,065,057 |
| 1971 | 3,134,767 |
| 1972 | 3,207,543 |
| 1973 | 3,283,496 |
| 1974 | 3,362,633 |
| 1975 | 3,445,407 |
| 1976 | 3,532,196 |
| 1977 | 3,623,202 |
| 1978 | 3,718,305 |
| 1979 | 3,818,528 |
| 1980 | 3,925,251 |
| 1981 | 4,038,307 |
| 1982 | 4,156,596 |
| 1983 | 4,278,978 |
| 1984 | 4,405,895 |
| 1985 | 4,538,012 |
| 1986 | 4,675,420 |
| 1987 | 4,818,486 |
| 1988 | 4,967,341 |
| 1989 | 5,121,657 |
| 1990 | 5,281,479 |
| 1991 | 5,446,932 |
| 1992 | 5,617,844 |
| 1993 | 5,872,706 |
| 1994 | 6,096,506 |
| 1995 | 6,226,773 |
| 1996 | 6,391,858 |
| 1997 | 6,583,365 |
| 1998 | 6,789,489 |
| 1999 | 7,002,818 |
| 2000 | 7,221,619 |
| 2001 | 7,445,596 |
| 2002 | 7,675,426 |
| 2003 | 7,913,070 |
| 2004 | 8,159,094 |
| 2005 | 8,426,144 |
| 2006 | 8,693,242 |
| 2007 | 8,953,969 |
| 2008 | 9,228,466 |
| 2009 | 9,509,423 |
| 2010 | 9,797,484 |
| 2011 | 10,093,623 |
| 2012 | 10,397,657 |
| 2013 | 10,708,834 |
| 2014 | 11,030,004 |
| 2015 | 11,360,681 |
| 2016 | 11,697,842 |
| 2017 | 12,039,780 |
| 2018 | 12,383,347 |
| 2019 | 12,726,755 |
| 2020 | 13,070,169 |
| 2021 | 13,413,417 |
| 2022 | 13,759,501 |
| 2023 | 14,111,034 |
| 2024 | 14,462,724 |
Demographics
| Population | 14,111,034 |
| Population Growth Rate | 2.52% |
| Urban Population | 51.7% |
| Fertility Rate | 4.56 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 60.8 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 46.5 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | 43.8% |
Economy & Trade
$1,394
GDP Per Capita
1.6%
Unemployment Rate
Lower middle income
Income Level
44.7%
Trade (% of GDP)
Health & Education
3.3%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.22
Physicians per 1,000
3.2%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
43.8%
Literacy Rate
46.5
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
57.0%
Electricity Access
30.5%
Internet Users
95
Mobile Subs per 100
125.1
People per km2
-192
Net Migration
Environment
26.5%
Forest Area
Benin Climate
Benin has an average annual temperature of 27.3°C (81°F) and receives about 1269 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is March and the coldest is August. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
27.3°C
Avg Temp
1269
Precip (mm/yr)
Mar
Hottest Month
Aug
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28° / 82° | 16 mm |
| February | 29° / 84° | 34 mm |
| March | 29° / 84° | 83 mm |
| April | 29° / 83° | 119 mm |
| May | 28° / 82° | 199 mm |
| June | 27° / 80° | 282 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 130 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 54 mm |
| September | 26° / 79° | 133 mm |
| October | 27° / 80° | 159 mm |
| November | 28° / 82° | 44 mm |
| December | 28° / 82° | 16 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Benin
The most comfortable months to visit Benin are typically August, January and December, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is March (around 33°C high). The coldest is August (near 23°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
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Benin in global context
Benin is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Benin has a population of 14,111,034, ranking #21 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 2.52%.
Life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years. The infant mortality rate is 46.5 per 1,000 live births.
Benin's GDP per capita is $1,394. It is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank.
51.7% of Benin's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 125.1 people per square kilometer.
The adult literacy rate in Benin is 43.8%. The country spends 3.2% of GDP on education.
The most comfortable months to visit Benin are typically August, January and December, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Benin has an average annual temperature of 27.3°C and about 1269 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically March and the coldest is August.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
With 14,111,034 residents, Benin is a country in Sub-Saharan Africa . The population is expanding fast — roughly 2.5% annually.
GDP per capita is roughly $1,394, placing Benin among lower-income economies. Life expectancy is 60.8 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 4.6 births per woman, and 51.7% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.