In 2002, Benin was a small West African country located on the Gulf of Guinea. It had a population of around 6 million people and an economy that was heavily reliant on agriculture, tourism and natural resources. Despite this, there were still economic challenges such as high levels of poverty, particularly among young people and those living in rural areas. According to computerannals, Benin was a relatively stable democracy with strong government institutions which enabled it to address pressing issues such as crime and corruption. Furthermore, Benin also enjoyed close diplomatic ties with other countries in the region which enabled it to remain an important player in international affairs. In terms of development, the government began to focus on improving infrastructure and providing basic services such as healthcare and education which provided a glimmer of hope for a better future for Beninese. Additionally, efforts have been made by both local and international organizations to strengthen democratic institutions within the country in order to promote stability within Benin. The government also adopted several economic reforms aimed at encouraging foreign investment and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Yearbook 2002

Benin. According to Countryaah website, national day of Benin is every August 1. The first municipal elections in Benin’s history were held in mid-December. Previously, the mayors were appointed directly by the government. The vote count was slow, but the Part-born Renaissance du Bénin (PRB), led by former President Nicéphore Soglo (1991-96), seemed to reap the greatest successes. The result was expected to give Soglo the post of mayor of Cotonou, Benin’s largest city and economic center. A second round of elections would be held in January 2003. Earlier in the year, the EU had allocated € 275 million to Benin for, among other things, efforts to consolidate democratic reforms.

Benin Country Overview

Visas
Finns need an electronic visa to Benin in advance. Please check the instructions for applying for an electronic visa. NOTE. The passport must be valid for 6 months from arrival in the country. Visa policies and rates are subject to change without notice

• According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, BEN stands for Benin.

Insurance
Everyone participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well. In many locations, the insurance must also be valid when moving at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, in which case it also covers mountain sickness.

Many hiking or diving trips require more extensive insurance, which covers, for example, diving or moving on a glacier. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Exit fee There are no exit fees in Benin.

Vaccinations
In addition to the basic vaccinations, yellow fever is mandatory for this trip (you will need an international vaccination card with a yellow fever mark to prove vaccination). Hepatitis A vaccination and malaria medication are recommended. Based on typhoid risk assessment, Based on meningococcal risk assessment. Check the vaccination requirements at your health center or the vaccination advice of the tourist clinic at

Currency In
Benin, it is not generally possible to use a debit or credit card as a means of payment, so the use of cash is recommended.
The currency of Benin is the CFA franc, or cefa (€ 1 = approximately 656 XOF). CFA francs are not available outside the CFA range.
At the banks and exchange offices in Cotonou and Comé, money can be exchanged from euros to local currency.

Money can be withdrawn from the ATMs of the banks of Cotonou as well as from Comé, Ouidah and the Togolese border, there is no possibility to withdraw money in Grand-Popo.

Usually only VISA-marked cards are accepted at ATMs.

Tips
It is not mandatory to submit a tip. However, good service is normally given a 10% tip on the final bill.

Safety
Benin is a safe country, however, general caution in the use of common sense throughout the journey is desirable.

Time difference
Benin’s time difference to Finland is -1 hour in winter and -2 hours in summer.

Electric
current Electric current: 220 V, 50 Hz. An adapter is not required for Finnish devices.

Mobile phones
Check the coverage of your phone with your carrier. The area code for Benin is +229.

Climate
The area has a tropical climate that is warm and humid. The coast varies between rainy season and dry season. During the dry season (November-May), the Harmatta blows, a constant wind from the north, which brings with it the red sand of the Sahara. Sand reduces the power of the sun and thus cools it. During the dry season, temperatures remain between 27-30 ° C and at night around 20-24 ° C.