Benin Bandiera della Benin

Cartina geografica della Benin

 General informations

Country Name

Benin Republic

Continent

Africa

Surface area

112,620 km²

Capital

Porto Novo (capital), Cotonou (seat of government)

Population

8.9 million

Language

French

Currency

CFA Franc

Time zone

The same as Italy

Area code for Italy

0039

Area code from Italy

00229

 Prevention

Yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers over 1 year old from at-risk countries or who have transited for more than 12 hours at airports in at-risk countries.

Meningococcus

Meningitis vaccination is mandatory for pilgrims heading to the Hajj.

Polio

Polio vaccination is mandatory for incoming travellers and those heading to high-risk countries.

Cholera

Cholera is transmitted through infected food and water. Vaccination is especially recommended if you will be travelling to rural areas where it is widespread and access to clean water is limited.

Hepatitis A and B

Hepatitis A is generally transmitted through contaminated food and water, or through close physical contact with an infected person, while hepatitis B is transmitted through exposure to infected body fluids and blood.

Rabies

Infection typically occurs through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, usually through bites, scratches or licks near open wounds or membranes (mouth, nose, eyes). The most common vectors are dogs and bats, but cases of infection in other domestic animals have also been reported.

Tetanus
Caused by toxins released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, there is an endemic risk of contracting tetanus throughout the country.
Typhus Fever

Bacterial in origin, typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated food and drink, especially in regions where sanitation conditions are poor.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease of bacterial origin. Vaccination is recommended for all travelers at risk of developing severe symptoms or of coming into contact with infected individuals. It is likewise recommended for all travelers under the age of 16 who plan to reside in the country for more than 3 months

Malaria

Malaria, transmitted by mosquito bites, is widespread throughout the country. As a vaccine is not yet available, you are advised to take both behavioural and, following medical consultation, pharmacological preventive measures.

Chikungunya, Dengue, Zika

These diseases are spread by mosquito bites and there is no vaccine. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures by implementing behavioural prophylaxes.

Insect sting diseases

Diseases such as Leishmaniasis and Japanese River Typhus are found in Southeast Asia. Transmitted by insect bites and with no vaccine, it is important to take preventive measures with behavioural prophylaxes.

The following vaccinations are strongly recommended as these diseases can be contracted anywhere in the world. Experts advise that you protect yourself and other travellers by making sure you are up-to-date with all of the recommended vaccinations. This will allow you to travel safely, while minimising the risk of exposure to infection.

 Territory and climate

Located on the south coast of the Bight of Benin (part of the wider Gulf of Guinea region), Benin is located in West Africa. The country borders with Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, Nigeria to the east, and Togo to the west.

The territory mainly consists of low elevations (not exceeding 700-800 meters above sea level), that slope northward towards the Niger River and southward towards the coastal plains, dotted with lakes and lagoons connected to the ocean.

Average temperatures are high, especially in the coastal areas, and fall by a few degrees towards the north due to the more pronounced temperature excursions. Rainfall is tropical in the northern area, with a dry season and a rainy season between May and September. Whereas, there are four alternating seasons in the south: two rainy (March-July and September-October) and two dry, which cause a substantial increase of the average humidity levels.

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