ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief historical background and a description of major events in Benin. It also provides basic political, economic, and social data arranged in the following categories: polity, economy, population, purchasing power parities, life expectancy, ethnic groups, capital, political rights, civil liberties, and status. The chapter discusses the progress and decline of political rights and civil liberties in Benin. Benin suffered a slight setback in 2001 with presidential elections that were marred by technical and administrative problems, as well as a boycott by the second- and third-place finishers in the second round of voting. Historically, Benin has been divided between northern and southern ethnic groups, which are the main roots of current political parties. Benin maintained a good human rights record in 2001, but sporadic violence preceded and followed the presidential elections. Freedom of assembly is respected in Benin, and requirements for permits and registration are often ignored.
