What Is a Beninese?

People, Language, and Adjective

Beninese (also Beninois) refers to:

• Nationality: A citizen or native of Benin, a West African country.
• Ethnicity/Diaspora: A person of Beninese descent.
• Language: Sometimes used for the cluster of Niger–Congo languages spoken in Benin (Fon, Yoruba, Bariba, Dendi, etc.), though Beninese languages is more precise.

Benin at a Glance

• Capital: Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (economic)
• Population: ~13 million (2023)
• Official language: French
• Known for: Vodun (Voodoo) origins, Dahomey Kingdom history, cotton, port of Cotonou.

Not to be confused with Béninois (French demonym) or Beninois (alternative English).