Benin
May, J.F.
Population Today 17(2): 12
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0749-2448 PMID: 12315503 Document Number: 360182
In response to the acceleration of population growth in the People's Republic the Benin, the government there is now planning a comprehensive national population policy as well as practical plans to implement it. Benin is a country, slightly smaller than Pennsylvania, situated on the west coast of Africa. It has an estimated population of 4.5 million. Against the backdrop of the present bleak economic picture, Benin's demographic structure and trends are comparable to the situation of many sub-saharan countries. Since World War II, figures show a fairly rapid decline in mortality although mortality rates remain high. The lack of any fertility decline has resulted in a youthful age structure and, in conjunction with mortality decline, a rise in the rate of natural increase, from 2.7 in 1978 to 3.2 in 1987. The current rate of contraceptive prevalence is estimated at 6% of women at risk. The rapid population growth has led to increased demand for social services. However, given the poor economy the government is presently unable to satisfy these demands. If the population policy planned is successful, it could serve as a catalyst to redesign Benin's future development strategies.