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Benin
Benin has a population of approximately 13.35 million inhabitants divided across 12 departments. Gaining its independence from France in 1960, the country has French as its official language, but the majority of the population speaks Fon and Yoruba. The main religion in Benin is Christianity, practiced by about 48.5% of the population. With a GDP per capita of US$1,303 (161st worldwide), the country’s economy is heavily based on agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Benin operates under a presidential republic system of government and holds elections every 5 years.
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Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has a population of approximately 22.1 million inhabitants divided across 13 regions. Gaining its independence from France in 1960, the country has French as its official language, but the majority of the population speaks Mossi, Fula, and Dioula. The main religion in Burkina Faso is Islam, practiced by about 61.5% of the population. With a GDP per capita of US$821 (183rd worldwide), the country’s economy is heavily based on agriculture, livestock, and gold mining. Burkina Faso operates under a semi-presidential republic system of government and holds elections every 5 years.
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Cote D'Ivoire
Cote d'Ivoire has a population of approximately 26.4 million inhabitants divided across 31 regions. Gaining its independence from France in 1960, the country has French as its official language, but the majority of the population speaks Dioula, Baoulé, and Senufo. The main religion in Cote d'Ivoire is Islam, practiced by about 42.9% of the population. With a GDP per capita of US$2,286 (123rd worldwide), the country’s economy is heavily based on agriculture, specifically cocoa and coffee production, as well as oil and gas. Cote d'Ivoire operates under a presidential republic system of government and holds elections every 5 years.
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Guine-Bissau
Guine-Bissau has a population of approximately 2 million inhabitants divided across 8 regions. Gaining its independence from Portugal in 1973, the country has Portuguese as its official language, but the majority of the population speaks Crioulo. The main religion in Guine-Bissau is Islam, practiced by about 45% of the population. With a GDP per capita of US$782 (183rd worldwide), the country’s economy is heavily based on agriculture, cashew nut production, and fishing. Guine-Bissau operates under a semi-presidential republic system of government and holds elections every 5 years.
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Mali
Mali has a population of approximately 21.9 million inhabitants divided across 10 regions. Gaining its independence from France in 1960, the country has French as its official language, but the majority of the population speaks Bambara. The main religion in Mali is Islam, practiced by about 95% of the population. With a GDP per capita of US$896 (182nd worldwide), the country’s economy is heavily based on agriculture, gold mining, and livestock. Mali operates under a semi-presidential republic system of government and holds elections every 5 years.
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Niger
Niger has a population of approximately 25.9 million inhabitants divided across 7 regions. Gaining its independence from France in 1960, the country has French as its official language, but the majority of the population speaks Hausa. The main religion in Niger is Islam, practiced by about 99% of the population. With a GDP per capita of US$554 (193rd worldwide), the country’s economy is heavily based on agriculture, uranium mining, and livestock. Niger operates under a semi-presidential republic system of government and holds elections every 5 years.
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Senegal
Senegal has a population of approximately 17.5 million inhabitants divided across 14 regions. Gaining its independence from France in 1960, the country has French as its official language, but the majority of the population speaks Wolof. The main religion in Senegal is Islam, practiced by about 95% of the population. With a GDP per capita of US$1,604 (153rd worldwide), the country’s economy is heavily based on agriculture, mining, and fisheries. Senegal operates under a semi-presidential republic system of government and holds elections every 5 years.
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Togo
Togo has a population of approximately 8.6 million inhabitants divided across 5 regions. Gaining its independence from France in 1960, the country has French as its official language, but the majority of the population speaks Ewe and Kabye. The main religion in Togo is Christianity, practiced by about 43.7% of the population. With a GDP per capita of US$679 (187th worldwide), the country’s economy is heavily based on agriculture, phosphate mining, and cotton production. Togo operates under a parliamentary system of government and holds elections every 6 years.