Benin has experienced steady population growth over the past several decades. As of 2024, the country’s population is estimated to be over 13 million, a significant increase from around 8 million in 2000. This growth is driven by a high fertility rate, which remains above 4 children per woman, and a relatively young population, with a median age under 20 years. Urbanization is also contributing to population increases in cities such as Cotonou and Porto-Novo. While the growth presents opportunities for economic development, it also poses challenges for infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems, which must expand to meet the needs of a rapidly increasing and youthful population.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 1,672,661 | 15.1 |
| 1955 | 1,850,718 | 16.7 |
| 1960 | 2,065,211 | 18.7 |
| 1965 | 2,327,816 | 21 |
| 1970 | 2,645,694 | 23.9 |
| 1975 | 3,032,648 | 27.4 |
| 1980 | 3,510,051 | 31.7 |
| 1985 | 4,107,498 | 37.1 |
| 1990 | 4,816,948 | 43.5 |
| 1995 | 5,720,474 | 51.7 |
| 2000 | 6,677,027 | 60.4 |
| 2005 | 7,837,870 | 70.9 |
| 2010 | 9,178,306 | 83 |
| 2015 | 10,841,374 | 98 |
| 2020 | 12,861,152 | 116.3 |
| 2022 | 13,754,688 | 124.3 |
| 2023 | 14,219,908 | 128.5 |
| 2024 | 14,697,052 | 132.9 |
| 2025 | 15,186,090 | 137.3 |
| 2030 | 17,817,552 | 161.1 |
| 2035 | 20,785,031 | 187.9 |
| 2040 | 24,133,443 | 218.2 |
| 2045 | 27,894,671 | 252.2 |
| 2050 | 32,070,919 | 289.9 |
| 2055 | 36,635,781 | 331.2 |
| 2060 | 41,554,035 | 375.6 |
| 2065 | 46,792,553 | 423 |
| 2070 | 52,310,025 | 472.9 |
| 2075 | 58,040,804 | 524.7 |
| 2080 | 63,888,411 | 577.5 |
| 2085 | 69,732,261 | 630.4 |
| 2090 | 75,439,501 | 682 |
| 2095 | 80,870,563 | 731.1 |
| 2100 | 85,879,024 | 776.3 |
Data from US Census International Database