Background: Dahomey gained its independence from France in 1960; the name was changed to Benin in 1975. From 1974 to 1989 the country was a socialist state; free elections were reestablished in 1991.

NOTE: The information regarding Benin on this page is re-published from the 2001 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Benin Introduction 2001 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Benin Introduction 2001 should be addressed to the CIA.