USAID's Strategy in Benin Benin continues to make progress in building a stable democracy.
Outside observers have praised Benin for having organized three
legislative elections and three presidential elections that
were generally judged to have been transparent, peaceful and
fair. Benin is now poised to hold municipal elections for the
first time ever. Success with these elections will place financial
and political power in the hands of local communities. Benin
also is considered to have good records for human rights and
freedom of the press.
The economic outlook for the country is encouraging. Real
GDP growth is forecast at over five percent for 2003 and is
expected to continue rising in 2004. Evidence of heightened
economic activity abounds; however, Benin still faces formidable
challenges to achieving sustainable development. According to the United Nations Development Report for 2002,
Benin ranks 153 among 173 countries in terms of overall quality
of life. An estimated 33 percent of the population lives below
the poverty line. Overall literacy for persons aged 15 to 49
is 37.4 percent. The mortality rate for children under five
years of age is 158 per 1,000. According to UNAIDS figures,
prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adults is estimated at 4.1 percent.
Benin's estimated population growth will make goals for social
and economic development even more difficult to achieve. Benin continues to be of interest to the United States for
the promotion of democracy, stability, and security in the
region, as well as the promotion of U.S. exports and investment.
Benin is also a strong ally of the United States in the fight
against terrorism.
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