Country Information :: History : Geography : Government : Economy

Government
Although Benin has experienced many changes in government in recent history, it is currently a multiparty democracy. Benin was a colony of France until 1960 and was known as Dahomey until 1975. From 1975 to 1990, the government's ideology was Marxism-Leninism. Following a National Conference in 1990, however, Benin adopted a new constitution and formed a new government based on democratic principles. The new constitution was founded on the determination of the people of Benin which guarantees dignity and justice for all citizens. Protection of these principles is necessary to sustain the important spiritual and cultural harmony among all of Benin's people. The following institutions and officials make up Benin's government.

Executive Branch
The president is elected by popular vote every five years. The most recent presidential election was held in March 2001; the next election is to be held in March 2006.

Current President: Mathieu KEREKOU (since April 1996; re-elected March 2001)

The president appoints a council of ministers to head the various administrations of the executive branch. The ministries and current ministers are as follows:

Minister of State in Charge of Development and Government Coordination: Bruno AMOUSSOU

Minister of State in Charge of National Defense: Pierre OSHO

Minister of Justice, Legislation, and Human Rights: Joseph GNONLONFOUN

Minister of the Interior, Security, and Decentralization: Daniel TAWEMA

Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration: Kolawolé Antoine IDJI

Minister of Finance and Economy: Abdoulaye BIO TCHANE

Minister of Institutional Relations, Civil Society, and Beninese Expatriates: Sylvain Adékpédjou AKINDES

Minister of Agriculture, Husbandry, and Fisheries: Théophile NATA

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Employment: Lazare SEHOUETO

Minister of Mines, Energy, and Hydraulics: Kamarou FASSASSI

Minister of Public Works and Transportation: Joseph Sourou ATTIN

Minister of the Environment, Housing, and Urban Development: Luc Marie-Constant GNANCADJA

Minister of Public Office and Administrative Reform: Ousmane BATOKO

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education: Jean Bio CHABI OROU

Minister of Technical and Professional Education: Dominique Codjo SOHOUNHLOUE

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research: Dorothé Cossi SOSSA

Minister of Public Health: Céline SEIGNON KANDISSOUNON

Minister of the Family, Social Protection, and Solidarity: Claire AYEMONNA HOUNGAN

Minister of Culture, Artisan Trade, and Tourism: Amos ELEGBE

Minister of Youth, Sports, and Leisure: Valentin Aditi HOUDE

Minister of Communication and Technology Promotion: Gaston ZOSSOU

Legislative Branch
Benin's legislature is a unicameral National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) made up of 83 seats. Members are elected by direct popular vote for four year terms.

Judicial Branch
Three high courts make up Benin's federal judiciary: the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and High Court of Justice.

Administrative Divisions
Benin's official capital is Porto Novo; the largest city and seat of government, however, is Cotonou.

The country is divided into 12 administrative departments:
Atlantique, Ouémè, Mono, Zou, Borgou, Atakora, Alibori, Collines, Couffo, Donga, Littoral, and Plateau