Benin
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
61 / 100
Partly Free
Benin had been among the most stable democracies in Africa, but President Patrice Talon began using the justice system to attack his political opponents after taking office in 2016, and electoral rules and a crackdown on his political opponents enabled him to consolidate his power in 2021. Deadly police violence at political protests, arrests of activists, and other restrictions on civil liberties have become increasingly problematic in recent years, though the 2023 electoral period was marked by less violence and somewhat more opposition participation.
Research & Recommendations
Benin
Partly Free
61
100
| PR Political Rights | 19 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 42 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
60
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
News and Updates
Featured
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
61
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 13,350,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
