Benin: Difference between revisions

  | patron_saints = Our Lady of Peace

}}

'''Benin''' is a West African nation in the region of the Gulf of Guinea, covering approximately 114,763 km² with a population of about 13 million as of 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Benin |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/benin/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Its official language is [[French]], and its economy relies on agriculture, particularly cotton, and regional trade. The [[Catholic Church]], with approximately 3.9 million adherents (30% of the population), is the largest Christian denomination, introduced in the 19th century by European missionaries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Benin |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Benin |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2023-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Catholicism shapes Benin’s culture through festivals, education, and charity, with [[Our Lady of Peace]] as the patroness, though it coexists with [[Vodoun]] and [[Islam]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Church in Benin |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/benin |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref>

The Church influences education and healthcare, operating schools and clinics that serve thousands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Benin |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/africa/benin/ |publisher=Caritas Internationalis |date=2024-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> It advocates for poverty reduction and human rights, guided by [[Catholic Social Teaching]], but remains neutral in politics due to Benin’s secular framework.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Church in Benin |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/benin |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref>

== References ==