Life in Benin: Every Number That Shapes It (1800–2100)

To understand a nation is to trace the quiet accumulation of changes within the average human life. In Benin, the data reveals a profound shift in the conditions of existence. Where a child once faced a precarious reality defined by limited resources, the modern era offers an expanded horizon. By observing metrics like school attendance, health outcomes, and infrastructure, we see how collective progress translates into individual stability. These figures are not merely abstract points on a graph; they represent the evolving reality of millions navigating the complexities of the modern world.

The trajectory from the 1950s to the 2020s reflects a distinct historical transition. Life expectancy has climbed from 36 to 62 years, while child mortality has dropped from 320 to 75 per 1,000 births. Simultaneously, the structure of society has shifted, with urbanization increasing from 11 to 41 %. Education has become more accessible, rising from 1.2 to 6 years of schooling, and electricity at home has grown from 3 to 48 %. These numbers mark a departure from earlier constraints, framing a society actively redefining its future path.

If you were born in Benin in the 2020s, your life path is shaped by these contemporary conditions, including an average income of 3,800 international dollars. While challenges persist—such as extreme poverty affecting 35 % of the population—the landscape is vastly different from the mid-twentieth century. With 29 % of the population now having internet access and a homicide rate of 9.5 per 100,000, the daily experience is increasingly connected and stable. Use the MYRIAD tool to see your parallel life in Benin.