Benin

Benin is a long, narrow country wedged between Nigeria and Togo on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in west Africa.  Benin is a relatively small country and is home to approximately 11.7 million people and the terrain is diverse.  Benin consists of five natural regions. The coastal region, barre country, Benin plateaus, Atakora Mountains, and the Niger plains. The climate is hot and humid throughout Benin.   French is the main language spoken.  Benin’s rate of population growth is among the highest in the world. Two-fifths of the population is younger than 15 years of age. More than one-third of the population in Benin is impoverished and many are starving within the nation.  Sanitation also remains an issue in Benin.   Child marriage is a serious problem for the country.  Benin is a nation that is seeing some improvement in health standards, but like many of the African nations, is considered a 3rd world nation.   Having been heavily evangelized over the years, the nation is said to be mostly Christian.  However, the nation is heaped in traditions.  Many still practice animist religion, which include fetishes or objects regarded to embody powerful spirits.  With 63 people groups within this nation, there are currently 13 unreached people groups. That is almost 2.5 million people who have not yet been reached! There are another 1.5 million people who have had minimal reach and need strong churches and discipleship.