Benin

Republic of Dahomey (1960-1975), People's Republic of Benin (1975-1990), Republic of Benin (1990-present)

Country in West Africa (1960-present)

Location: West Africa

Capital City: Porto-Novo, Cotonou

Government type: Republic (1960-1975, 1990-present), Communist Republic (1975-1990)

Main languages: French, Fon, Yoruba, Bariba, Fulfude

Main religions: Sunni Islam, Catholic Christianity, Protestant Christianity

Chronology

1960: Independent from France

1975: Communist takeover, name change from Dahomey to Benin

1990: Communist government falls

Currency

West African CFA Franc (1945-present)

1 Franc = 100 Centimes

Note: Benin shares the West African Franc with several otther countries, and there are no country-unqiue circulating coins. All coins issued in the name of Benin (or Dahomey) are non-circulating.

Coins from Benin in the collection

•500 Francs, 2011 (silver-plated cupronickel, KM#88) Commemorative: Cannabis sativa