Context
The chart above shows the evolution of street network disconnectedness of the most connected and most disconnected cities in Benin, for both new street additions (left) and the aggregate street network (right).
Benin in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Benin followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase. To get a sense of how street development has changed in Benin, we can consider three of its most populous regions: Atlantique, Ouémé and Zou. Out of the three regions, Ouémé and Zou do not follow the same trend as the country. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Ouémé rose steadily. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Zou peaked in 1991-2005.
How do development practices in Benin fare in comparison to others in the world? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in Benin was the 83rd-most disconnected out of the 179 countries in the world. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has fallen; relative to other countries in the world, street construction in Benin has become more connected. Benin ranked 34th in 1975, 67th in 1976-1990, 65th in 1991-2005 and 83rd in 2006-2020.
The largest city in Benin is Cotonou, with a population of 1860000 people. Taking into account the entire (i.e. aggregate) street network in Cotonou as of 2020, the overall level of street-network sprawl is 3.43, which is relatively sprawly. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Cotonou followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase.
Benin in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in Benin is Cotonou with an SNDi of 3.43, which is relatively sprawly. Conversely, the most connected city is Covè with an SNDi of 1.71, which is very well-connected. See these two cities’ trends in the above graph, or dive deeper into each: Covè, Cotonou.
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Benin rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in Benin, we can consider three of its most populous regions: Atlantique, Ouémé and Zou. Disconnectivity in the most populous cities in Benin follow the same country trend.
To date, Benin is the 71st-most disconnected out of the 179 countries in the world. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has fallen; relative to other countries in the world, the street network in Benin has become more connected. Benin ranked 34th in 1975, 52nd in 1976-1990, 59th in 1991-2005 and 71st in 2006-2020.
The largest city in Benin is Cotonou, with a population of 1860000 people. Taking into account the entire (i.e. aggregate) street network in Cotonou as of 2020, the overall level of street-network sprawl is 3.43, which is relatively sprawly. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Cotonou rose steadily.