ABSTRACT
The People’s Republic of Benin is to be found on the west coast of Africa between Nigeria and Togo. The degree of Benin’s underdevelopment and dependence on foreign capital is better revealed in the secondary sector than in agriculture. Bearing in mind that all industry represents less than 15 per cent of GDP and 2 per cent of the workforce, its make-up is still of considerable interest. Prices of imported and locally manufactured goods are controlled by the Beninese government for the purpose of containing increases in the cost of living. The railway system as well, especially the segment connecting Benin with Nigeria, has benefited from foreign assistance. In light of the degree of Benin’s economic dependence on the West, it is curious that its foreign policy should be as overtly leftist as it is.
