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Cotonou, Benin

Littoral · 🇧🇯 Benin

Cotonou is a major city in Littoral, Benin with a population of 679,012. Elevation: 23 ft (7 m). Average temperature: 81°F (27°C).

1.5 /5.0
D Poor
679,012 Population 22,263/sq mi density
23 ft Elevation 7 meters
81°F Avg Temperature 27°C
46.5 in Annual Rain
Africa / Porto-Novo Timezone
D
Overall
1.5 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Education
1.5 / 5.0
6.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Bachelor's+ 6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 11.2%
65% lower than US avg
Unemployment 1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 27.2%
119% higher than US avg

People

Population679,012
Median Age17.2 yrs
Density22,263/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$1,394
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty27.2%

Health

Obesity11.2%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking4.4%
Depression19.3%

Climate

Avg Temp81°F (27°C)
AQI75 (Moderate)
Rain46.5 in/yr
Sunny Days252/yr
Elevation23 ft (7 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+51.4%

Community

CommuteN/A
Broadband32.2%
Population679,012
Population Density22,263 / sq mi
Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Coordinates6.3654°, 2.4183°
TimezoneAfrica/Porto-Novo
Country🇧🇯 Benin
State / ProvinceLittoral
Average Temperature81°F (27°C)
January Average82°F (28°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Annual Precipitation46.5 inches (1,181 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Age17.2 years

Is Cotonou a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Cotonou receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Cotonou faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 27.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Education

6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 51.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Cotonou has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 81°F. Winters average 82°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 252 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.5 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 75.

Cotonou has a population of 679,012 with a density of 22,263 people per square mile, spread across 30.5 square miles. The median age is 17.2 years, 56% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.2% male. 3.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 38.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

679,012
Total Population
22,263
People / sq mi
17.2yrs
Median Age
56% below US avg
30.5mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.2%
Female 49.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Cotonou vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages100%

Social Characteristics

Cotonou vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Cotonou is N/A. Per capita income is $1,394 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 33.5, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living.

Income: Cotonou vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$1,394

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.6%
56% below US avg
Poverty Rate27.2%
119% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living33.50 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

In Cotonou, 11.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 31.2% have high blood pressure. 4.4% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 7.0% report binge drinking. 76.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.3% report depression.

Health Metrics: Cotonou vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity11.2%
65% below US avg
Diabetes7.2%
High Blood Pressure31.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking4.4%
69% below US avg
Binge Drinking7.0%
Physical Inactivity76.0%
Depression19.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate38.0%

Food & Exercise

Cotonou has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 81°F (27°C). Winters average 82°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July — relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 252 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 46.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 75 — residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 68% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 23 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

82°F Jan (28°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average81.0°F
50% above US avg
January Average82°F (28°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days252 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall46.5 inches
22% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median75.0
RatingModerate
Good Days %67.5%

Geography

Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Area30.5 sq mi (79.0 km²)
Population Density22,263/sq mi
Coordinates6.3654°N, 2.4183°W
TimezoneAfrica/Porto-Novo

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 82°F (28°C) 0.5 in Driest
February 84°F (29°C) 1.3 in
March 84°F (29°C) 3.1 in Warmest
April 83°F (29°C) 4.7 in
May 82°F (28°C) 7.3 in
June 80°F (27°C) 10.6 in Wettest
July 78°F (26°C) 4.7 in
August 77°F (25°C) 2.2 in Coldest
September 79°F (26°C) 4.8 in
October 80°F (27°C) 5.2 in
November 82°F (28°C) 1.5 in
December 82°F (28°C) 0.6 in

Cotonou has a seasonal temperature swing of 7°F — from 77°F in August to 84°F in March. Total annual precipitation is 46.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (10.6") and January the driest (0.5").

6.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 82% below the national average of 33.7%. 51.4% have completed high school. 32.2% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate).

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.0%
82% below US avg
High School+51.4%
F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density22,263/sq mi
Total Area30.5 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access32.2%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Cotonou

What is the population of Cotonou?

Cotonou has a population of 679,012 residents and is located in Benin. The population density is 22,263 people per square mile, spread across 30.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 17.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.2% male.

Is Cotonou expensive to live in?

Cotonou is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 33.5 — below the baseline of 100.

What is the weather like in Cotonou?

Cotonou has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 81°F (27°C). Winter temperatures average 82°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 252 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.5 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 75.

How is the job market in Cotonou?

The job market in Cotonou is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% — well below the national rate of 3.6%.

How are the schools in Cotonou?

6.0% of adults in Cotonou hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 51.4% have completed high school.

How healthy is Cotonou?

The obesity rate in Cotonou is 11.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 4.4% of adults are smokers. 76.0% are physically inactive. 19.3% of residents report depression.

Nearby Cities

Godomè 253,262 pop · 5.3 mi Ganvié 20,000 pop · 7.1 mi Abomey-Calavi 385,755 pop · 7.2 mi Ekpé 75,313 pop · 8.4 mi Hévié 13,450 pop · 12.1 mi Semi 23,636 pop · 13.6 mi Porto-Novo 264,320 pop · 15.6 mi Missérété 41,657 pop · 17.8 mi Zinvié 18,157 pop · 17.9 mi Zounké 8,326 pop · 18.9 mi Avrankou 20,326 pop · 20.7 mi Adjarra 24,132 pop · 20.8 mi Tori-Bossito 14,844 pop · 21.1 mi Ouidah 47,616 pop · 22.9 mi
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