Benin: Land of Cotton
Listen to this articleThe Republic of Benin is a small country located in the Western side of the African continent (used to be named: Dahomey). It gained independence in 1960. Its population is about 12 million and most of them live on the coast side. Christians form 48% and Muslims form 27% of the population. The Official language there is French. Its capital city is called Porto-Novo. There are about 10 different ethnic groups in Benin.
The main 5 ethnic groups are:
– 38% Fon.
– 15% Adja + Mina.
– 12% Yoruba.
– 9% Bariba.
– 8% Fulani.
The President of Benin is Patrice Talon who came into office in 2016. He is also a businessman. His case of presidency is very unique as he belongs to no political party; totally independent.
The economy of Benin is heavily dependent on agriculture; cotton to be precise. Cotton forms about 40% of the GDP there. One of the real problems there is the use of child workers.
Benin is on the list of poorest countries in the world as GDP Per Capita. The condition of workers there is very bad and difficult. They usually struggle to raise a family.
The situation in Africa inspires me to ask the following question:
Why is it that when the government finds gold in a citizen’s land, it belongs to them but when they find drugs, it belongs to the citizen?
I personally push for investment in Benin and encourage businessmen to really consider it. I also invite generous souls who like to do charity to consider helping the people of Benin as they are in desperate need of any help.
