Fact File
Full country name: Republic of Benin
Area: 110,620 sq km
Population: 225,000
People: Fon and Adja (40%), Yoruba (12%), Bariba (9%), Betamaribé, Fulani (6%), and 37 smaller ethnic groups
Language: French (official), Fon, Yoruba and almost fifty other tribal languages
Religion: Animism (Voodoo) (70%), Muslim (15%), Christian (20%)
Government: Democratic republic
Food & Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated and it is best if only boiled water is used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. It is recommended that one takes powdered or tinned milk as long as it is reconstituted with pure water. Visitors are advised to avoid all dairy products and should eat only well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.