Independence Day, celebrated today 1 August, marks the day the country regained complete freedom from France; it is a day of great pride for Beninese, who celebrate it with elaborate feasts, military parades and re-enactments of ancient ceremonies

The number of unique mobile subscribers was 8,5 million as of 31 December 2023, when 16,3 million Sim cards were active in the country, according to the latest census, with an average of two Sim cards per person and a mobile penetration rate of 67,3%

Focusing on culture is part of Benin's strategy to stimulate economic growth: the government is building 4 new museums in different locations and a cultural district in the largest city, Cotonou, as well as increasing investment in arts education