Flag of Benin

Flag of Benin

The current flag of Benin has been adopted for the first time in 1960, when the country achieved independence from France. The flag consists of three stripes - two horizontal ones in yellow and red colors and one vertical green on the left side of the flag. These colors are traditional Pan-African colors, where green represents hope, yellow symbolizes wealth and red stands for courage and the bloodshed during the struggles for independence. These colors emphasize the solidarity with the other African nations. In 1975, Marxist government came to power in Benin and the country was renamed to the Republic of Dahomey. In these times, a green flag with a red star in the upper left corner was used. After the fall of the regime in 1990, the previous flag has been readopted.

Country information

Sovereign State Yes
Country codes BJ, BEN (ISO 3166-1)
Official name Republic of Benin
Capital city Porto-Novo
Continent Africa
Member of United Nations, African Union, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
Population 11 733 059 (2019)
Total area 114 763 km2
Highest point Mont Sokbaro (658 m, 2 159 ft)
Lowest point Bight of Benin
GDP per capita $ 902 (World Bank, 2018)
Currency West African CFA franc (Fr, XOF)
Calling code +229
Internet TLD .bj

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Country location