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, these figures are not merely abstract points on a graph; they represent the evolving reality of millions. The daily experience is increasingly connected and stable, with 29 % of the population now having internet access and a homicide rate of 9.5 per 100,000. While challenges persist—such as extreme poverty affecting 35 % of the population—the data reflects a shift toward individual stability and an expanded horizon for the modern citizen.

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 markers frame 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. A child born in this era can expect to live 62 years on an average income of 3,800 international dollars. This departure from earlier constraints—where extreme poverty once affected 75 % of the population—illustrates the birth lottery's impact. The shift from 6.6 to 4.6 births per woman further signals a fundamental change in the human experience.

Use the MYRIAD tool to see your parallel life in Benin.