BENIN Benin's economy is largely undeveloped and relies on subsistence agriculture and regional trade. An exploding population (3.3 percent population growth) is putting pressure on forests for fuelwood, agricultural clearing, pasture lands, and housing. Deforestation has led to extensive siltation of Benin's waterways, hindering boat traffic and further damaging the economy, of which over 30 percent is made up of transport activities. Heavy poaching has depleted wildlife.

According to FAO figures, Benin has no undisturbed primary forest and has lost 29 percent of its forest cover since 1990. At 2.5 percent, Benin has one of the highest annual deforestation rates in the world.

On paper, more than 22 percent of the country is protected, although the effectiveness of this protection is unclear.

Suggested reading - Books

• The Benin Kingdom of West Africa (Celebrating the Peoples and Civilizations of Africa)

Image copyright Google Earth, MDA EarthSet, DigitalGlobe 2005

CIA-World Factbook Profile
FAO-Forestry Profile World Resources Institute Profile (PDF)


Last updated: 4 Feb 2006