Although Benin has experienced many changes in government in recent history, it is currently a multiparty democracy. Benin was a colony of France until 1960 and was known as Dahomey until 1975. From 1975 to 1990, the government’s ideology was Marxism-Leninism. Following a National Conference in 1990, however, Benin adopted a new constitution and formed a new government based on democratic principles. The new constitution was founded on the determination of the people of Benin to create a pluralistic system which guarantees dignity and justice for all citizens. Protection of these principles is necessary to sustain the important spiritual and cultural harmony among all of Benin’s people. The following institutions and officials make up Benin’s government.

Executive Branch

The president is elected by popular vote every five years. The most recent presidential election was held in March 2006. Current President: Thomas Boni Yayi. The president appoints a council of ministers to head the various administrations of the executive branch. The ministries and current ministers are as follows:

Minister of State Charges of the Economy, the Future Development and Evaluation of the Public action (MECEPDEAP): Mr Pascal Irenee KOUPAKI

• Minister of State In charge of National Defence (MECDN): Mr Issifou KOUGUI DOURO
• Minister of Interior Department and Public Safety (MISP): Brigadier general Felix Tissou, HESSOU
• Minister for Decentralization, the Local Governorship, the Administration and the Regional planning (MDGLAAT): Mr Issa Démonlé MOKO
• Foreign Minister of African Integration, the Francophonie and the External Beninese (MAEIAFBE): Mr Moussa OKANLA
• Minister of Finance (MF): Mr Soulé Mana LAWANI
• Minister of Agriculture, Breeding and Fishing (MAEP): Mr Roger DOVONOU
• Minister of Industry and Trade (MIC): Mr Gregoire AKOFODJI
• Minister for Mines, Energy and Water (MMEE): Mr Sacca LAFIA
• Minister of Health (MS): Mr Kessilé SARE TCHALA
• Minister of Primary Education, Teaching, the Elimination of illiteracy and National Languages (MEPALN): Mrs Christine OUINSAVI
• Minister of Secondary Education and Technical/Vocational Training (MESFTP): Mrs Bernadette SOHOUDJI AGBOSSOU
• Minister for Higher education and Scientific Research (MESRS): Mrs Vicentia BOCO
• Minister for Labor and Public office (MTFP): Mr Emmanuel TIANDO
• Minister for Youth, Sports and Leisure (MJSL): Mr Galiou SOGLO
• Minister for Culture, Artisans and Tourism (MCAT): Mr Soumanou SEIBOU TOLEBA
• Minister for Family and Child (MFE): Mrs Clémence YIMBERE (married) DANSOU Minister for the Administrative and Institutional Reform (MRAI): Mr Bio Gounou Idrissou SINA
• Minister for the Environment and the Nature conservancy (MEPN): Mrs Juliette BIAO (married) KOUDENOUKPO
• Minister of Micro-Finance, of Small and Medium-sized Enterprise, and the Employment of the Young people and Women (MMFPMEEJF): Mrs Sakinatou ABDOU ESPARTO OROU (married) SIDI
• Minister for Town planning, Habitat, Land Reform and the Fight against Coastal Erosion (MUHRFLCEC): Mr François Gbènoukpo NOUDEGBESSI
• Minister of Justice, Legislation and Humans right (GS/MJLDH): Mr Gustave ANANI BROKE
• Minister In charge of the Relationships to Institutions, Port-Parole of Government (MCRIPPG): Mr Alexandre HOUNTONDJI
• Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic, Responsible for Communication and Information Technologies (MDCCTIC/PR): Mr Désiré ADADJA
• Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic, Responsible for Transportation and Public works (MDCTTP/PR): Mr Armand ZINZINDOHOUE
• Deputy Minister to the Minister of Finance, in charge of Budget (MDCB/MF): Mr Albert Sègbégnon HOUNGBO

Legislative Branch

Benin’s legislature is a unicameral National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) made up of 83 seats. Members are elected by direct popular vote for four year terms. The most recent legislative elections were held in March 2006.

Judicial Branch

Three high courts make up Benin’s federal judiciary: the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and High Court of Justice.

Administrative Divisions

Benin’s official capital is Porto Novo; the largest city and seat of government, however, is Cotonou. The country is divided into 12 administrative departments: Atlantique, Ouémè, Mono, Zou, Borgou, Atakora, Alibori, Collines, Couffo, Donga, Littoral, and Plateau.