COUNTRY Information

	The Republic of Benin covers an area of 114,763 km². According to World Bank estimates, Tanzania has a population of 13,754,688.
Capital:	The capital is Porto-Novo, and the seat of government is in Cotonou, the most populous city and economic capital.
Languages:	The official language is French
Time zone:	WAT (UCT+1 hour)
Internet TLD:	.bj
Calling code:	+229

CLIMATE

Benin's climate is hot and humid. Annual rainfall in the coastal area averages 1,360 mm (53.5 in), not particularly high for coastal West Africa. Benin has two rainy and two dry seasons. The principal rainy season is from April to late July, with a shorter less intense rainy period from late September to November. The main dry season is from December to April, with a short cooler dry season from late July to early September. Temperatures and humidity are high along the tropical coast. In Cotonou, the average maximum temperature is 31 °C (87.8 °F); the minimum is 24 °C (75.2 °F).

Variations in temperature increase when moving north through a savanna and plateau toward the Sahel. A dry wind from the Sahara called the harmattan blows from December to March. Grass dries up, the vegetation turns reddish brown, and a veil of fine dust hangs over the country, causing the skies to be overcast. It is also the season when farmers burn brush in the fields.

Currency and Exchange

The West African CFA Franc (code : XOF) is the currency of Benin.

It is subdivided into 100 centimes (cents in English).

1 EUR = 655.957 XOF

Tip: to convert Benin currency into euros, remember that 10 000 XOF = more or less 15 €.

To check the exchange rate of other currencies please go to the website http://www.xe.com/

Immunisation and Health

Please be advised that all incoming travellers aged nine months and above must have received the yellow fever vaccine.

Therefore, ensure that you have an up-to-date vaccination pass with you, as it will be checked upon entry.

Also note that travellers may be required to show proof of polio vaccination upon departure.
For a complete list of required and recommended vaccinations, please check the website of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Given that Benin is also a country where malaria is present, make sure you take the necessary precautions to safeguard yourself against mosquitoes, as recommended by the WHO.

Recommended vaccinations:

Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A; Poliomyelitis; Tetanus; Yellow Fever.

Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis B; Meningococcal Meningitis; Rabies; Typhoid

Mobile phone services

Many mobile operators are offering prepaid SIM and e-SIM cards including calls, SMS and mobile internet connection. Different packages are available. Prepaid cards are sold by authorized distributors, and are also available in shopping centres. They are also available at the airport, directly after exciting the luggage retrieval area.