Benin, a coastal country in West Africa, boasts a magnificent diversity of landscapes. Its forest ecosystems hide great riches, as does its subsoil. Although it has significant mineral resources, the country is still relatively untouched by mining. But the wealth of this nation lies above all in its immense cultural heritage, made up of the traditions of the very many ethnic groups (around forty) that make up its population. In particular, it is known as the homeland of voodoo.

Benin is one of the poorest countries on the planet. 20% of its population lives with less than 2 euros per day.

Concerning health:

• 1.1 million children, or 3 out of 10, suffer from chronic malnutrition.
• 30% of children under the age of 5 are stunted.
• The maternal mortality rate is one of the highest in the world: 397 mothers die for every 100,000 live births (2018).
• 8% of the population has health insurance.

In terms of employment, the country's main source of income is agriculture:

• 70% of the working population is employed in the agricultural sector.
• Only 35% of women are literate, so they are under-represented in decision-making positions.

Natural resources:

• Benin's forests are very valuable and vital for the population.
• Between 2005 and 2015, they lost 20% of their surface area (7.6 to 6 million hectares).
• The rate of deforestation remains very high, at 2.2% per year.