Benin Postal Codes

Benin Postal Codes are located here. Benin zip codes can be accessed by clicking each department.

Department in Benin

Benin on the Map

Benin zip codes can be seen on the map. All postcodes of Benin can be viewed under each department.

About Benin

Geography and Climate

Benin is a West African country located on the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Togo to the west, Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, and Nigeria to the east. Its southern coast opens to the Atlantic Ocean along the Bight of Benin. The landscape transitions from low coastal plains and lagoons—such as Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo Lagoon—to a rolling plateau and savanna regions in the center and north. The Atakora Mountains in the northwest form the country’s main highlands, while the Ouémé, Mono, and Niger rivers provide key waterways. Benin’s climate is tropical, characterized by two major zones: a humid equatorial climate in the south with two rainy and two dry seasons, and a savanna climate in the north with a single rainy season and a long dry period influenced by Harmattan winds.

Brief History and Government

The Republic of Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, achieved independence from France on August 1, 1960. The country adopted its current name in 1975, reflecting the historical Bight of Benin and distancing itself from colonial associations. Benin operates as a unitary presidential republic under a democratic constitution. The president serves as both head of state and government, supported by a unicameral National Assembly. The official capital is Porto-Novo, while Cotonou serves as the economic and administrative center. Major milestones in Benin’s modern history include the 1990 National Conference, which reintroduced multiparty democracy and became a model for political reform in Africa.

Population, Language, and Culture

Benin has a population of approximately 14.5 million people as of 2024. The official language is French, used in government, education, and media, while national languages such as Fon, Yoruba, Bariba, and Dendi are widely spoken in different regions. Benin’s cultural identity is diverse and deeply rooted in its precolonial kingdoms and ethnic traditions. The country is internationally recognized as the birthplace of Vodun (Voodoo), which remains a significant spiritual and cultural practice, celebrated annually with colorful festivals. Music, dance, and traditional crafts play vital roles in daily life, and Beninese artists and musicians are active both locally and internationally.

Economy and Currency

Benin’s economy is driven by agriculture, trade, and services. Cotton is the dominant export, accounting for a large share of foreign earnings, followed by cashew nuts and palm-derived products. The Port of Cotonou serves as a major logistics hub for West Africa, facilitating regional trade with Nigeria and landlocked neighbors. Economic diversification is ongoing, with growth in banking, telecommunications, and light manufacturing. Tourism also contributes to GDP through historical sites such as Ouidah and Abomey. The national currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is shared with other members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and is pegged to the euro for monetary stability.

The Postal Code System

The official postal operator of Benin is La Poste du Bénin S.A. Benin does not have a national postal code system. Instead, addresses are based on the use of P.O. Boxes (Boîte Postale or “BP”), which identify the post office handling delivery. For example, a standard address format in Cotonou appears as “03 BP 1000, Cotonou, Benin,” where “03” denotes the delivery zone or post office and “1000” is the specific box number. Outside major cities, mail is often directed through regional post offices or P.O. Boxes shared by communities. In the absence of postal codes, residents and businesses rely on the city or commune name to ensure routing accuracy. International senders are advised to include the full city name and “Benin” as the final line of the address. La Poste du Bénin provides nationwide postal and financial services, including express mail, logistics, and money transfers, through its network of regional branches.