Benin Country Report

Benin is a relatively stable, low-income country located in West Africa, bordered by Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria, with its southern coastline on the Gulf of Guinea. The official capital is Porto-Novo, although the government is seated in the nearby port city of Cotonou. Benin has maintained a fairly successful democratic system since civilian rule was introduced in the early 1990s, characterized by regular and peaceful transfers of power. However, there has been growing intolerance of dissent under the administration of current President Patrice Talon, which has somewhat clouded the country's political outlook.

Benin's economic development has been hampered by widespread corruption and limits to the rule of law. The primary threats to foreign travelers include a wide range of petty criminal activity, traffic accidents, and health hazards. In recent years, there have also been concerns over a spillover of extremist Islamist militant activities in Mali and Burkina Faso to Benin's far north region. The country's infrastructure is of a low standard, with the quality decreasing away from its major urban centers.

Petty crime presents the most common threat to foreign nationals, with reports of opportunistic theft, bag-snatching and burglaries targeting travelers and expatriates. Civil unrest occurs regularly in Benin, particularly in the commercial capital, and is generally driven by political developments and socio-economic conditions. Concerns have also increased over the expansion of Sahel-based extremist groups into the north of the country. There are currently no major conflict risks affecting Benin.

International flight services to Benin are available via reputable international carriers, although there are few domestic routes.

Road and driving conditions are generally poor, with slight improvements in urban areas.

Benin has a largely underdeveloped domestic electricity generation capacity, relying heavily on imports, and is prone to power outages and blackouts.

The ports in Benin are considered inefficient.

Improved internet access has been accompanied by a significant increase in cybercriminal activities based out of Benin, including advance-fee scams, work permits, job offers and bank overpayment scams.

Benin experiences a warm tropical climate. The principal rainy season runs April-July, with a shorter less intense rainy season September-November. Rainfall during Benin’s rainy seasons typically generates significant flooding and overland travel disruption, including in Cotonou. Temperatures can reach extreme levels Februray-May, particularly in the far north of the country. Northern regions of Benin are prone to drought and dusty winds from the Sahara December-March. Air pollution and waste management are considerable problems in Benin, particularly in Cotonou, posing health risks for travelers. Benin is not particularly prone to earthquakes, although tremors are occasionally recorded.

The main health concerns stem from malaria and Lassa Fever. Vaccines before travel are also required, for example, for yellow fever. Healthcare facilities, including in Cotonou, are limited and of low quality and should only be used for basic medical cases. Shortages of prescription pharmaceuticals are relatively common, while contraband medicines are widespread. Tap water is readily available but is not considered safe for consumption.

Benin has been characterized by relative regime stability over the past two decades, with multiple peaceful democratic transitions. Political parties are generally weak, and most victorious presidential candidates have won as independents, reducing the potential for the dominance of a ruling coalition. Nonetheless, and despite government efforts, corruption remains a systemic problem in Benin affecting particularly the judiciary, law enforcement and customs. Rule of law in Benin has been hindered by systemic corruption within an overloaded and overstretched judiciary.