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About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

About Benin Language, Ethnic groups and Economy

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About Benin Language, Ethnic groups, Flag and Economy

About Benin Language, Ethnic groups, Flag and Economy


There are thousands of languages spoken in Africa; over 2,000. The top 10 most spoken languages in Africa in order are; Arabic, Kiswahili (Swahili), Hausa, English, Amharic, French, Oromo, Yoruba, Igbo and Zulu. 


The languages spoken in Benin are French the official, Fon and Yoruba are most common in the south of Benin, and tribal languages there are at least six major ones in north Benin.


The Republic of Benin location in Africa

L'Aube Nouvelle, The Dawn of a New Day is the African County Benin national anthem. 

There are 10 million people living in Benin

The population is primarily located in the south, with the highest concentration of people residing in and around the cities on the Atlantic coast; most of the north remains sparsely populated with higher concentrations of residents in the west.


Benin ethnic groups are:

Fon and related 39.2 percent
Adja and related 15.2 percent
Yoruba and related 12.3 percent
Bariba and related 9.2 percent
Peulh and related 7 percent
Ottamari and related 6.1 percent
Yoa-Lokpa and related 4 percent
Dendi and related 2.5 percent
Other 1.6 percent
Unspecified 2.9 percent


Major religions in Benin are:

Catholic 27.1 percent
Muslim 24.4 percent
Vodoun (Voodoo) 17.3 percent
Protestant 10.4 percent
Other Christian 5.3 percent
Unspecified 15.5 percent
Benin major agriculture products are:

Cotton
Corn
Cassava
Yams
Beans
Palm Oil
Peanuts
Cashews

Livestock


Benin major export partners are:

Bangladesh 18.1 percent
India 10.7 percent
Ukraine 9 percent
Niger 8.1 percent
China 7.7 percent
Nigeria 7.2 percent
Turkey 4 percent


Benin major import partners are:

Thailand 18.1 percent
India 15.9 percent
France 8.5 percent
China 7.5 percent
Togo 5.9 percent
Netherlands 4.3 percent
Belgium 4.3 percent


Benin’s flag is bands of yellow on top, red at the bottom with a vertical green band on the side. The green symbolizes hope and revival, yellow wealth, and red courage. 



The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

Recipes Explain Politics

🍚

🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

Understanding Africa through the stories our food tells • Since 2006

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.