Be·nin [ bə nín, be nn ]country in West Africa between Togo and Nigeria, with a short coastline on the Bight of Benin. It became independent from France in 1960. Languages: French. Currency: CFA franc. Capital: Porto-Novo. Population: 8,791,832 (2009 estimate).
Area: 112,622 sq km (43,484 sq mi) Official name Republic of Benin Former name Dahomey until 1975
