Benin Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 75th most populous · Lower middle income
Population right now (estimate)
15,281,907
The population of Benin is about 15,281,907 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 15.2 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.18% of the world's people.
Benin is ranked 75th of 217 by population. Its population is growing fast — about 2.4% a year, roughly 999 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 24.4 million. That is 6.0 times its 1960 population of 2.5 million. Population density is 135 people per square kilometre. 53% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
15.2 million
Yearly change
+2.40%
World rank
75th
Share of world
0.18%
Density
135/km²
Land area
112,760 km²
Life expectancy
61.0 yrs
Births per woman
4.48
GDP per capita
$1,658
GDP
$24.6B
Population of Benin, 1960–2050
Benin population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 2,517,286 | — | 22 |
| 1970 | 3,065,057 | +2.23% | 27 |
| 1980 | 3,925,251 | +2.79% | 35 |
| 1990 | 5,281,479 | +3.12% | 47 |
| 2000 | 7,221,619 | +3.12% | 64 |
| 2010 | 9,797,484 | +3.03% | 87 |
| 2020 | 13,070,169 | +2.70% | 116 |
| 2024 | 14,462,724 | +2.49% | 128 |
| 2026proj. | 15,170,419 | +2.40% | 135 |
| 2030proj. | 16,618,822 | +2.25% | 147 |
| 2040proj. | 20,445,760 | +1.97% | 181 |
| 2050proj. | 24,433,809 | +1.64% | 217 |
Benin vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 11.7 times as many people as Benin. Bangladesh is 10.2 times more densely populated.
Benin population: questions and answers
What is the population of Benin in 2026?
About 15,170,419 (15.2 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Benin's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.40% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Benin?
About 135 people per km², with a land area of 112,760 km².
What will the population of Benin be in 2050?
About 24.4 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Benin?
Cotonou and Porto-Novo.
What is the life expectancy in Benin?
61.0 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.