Fon
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A language of Benin
2,000,000 in Benin (2018). Total users in all countries: 2,070,400.
Widespread. Atlantique, Littoral and Zou departments.
3 (Wider communication). Used in early 17th century in the Fon kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin). Used as slave trade language in 18th century with arrival of European colonizers. After slave trade ended in 1848, became widespread in Southern Benin, Southwest Nigeria and Togo.
Agbome, Arohun, Gbekon, Kpase.
Vigorous. Administration, education, religious services, commerce, and labor. Positive attitudes. Also use French [fra]. Used as L2 by Aguna [aug], Ayizo Gbe [ayb], Ci Gbe [cib], Eastern Xwla Gbe [gbx], Ede Idaca [idd], Ede Ije [ijj], Gbesi Gbe [gbs], Gun [guw], Kotafon Gbe [kqk], Maxi Gbe [mxl], Saxwe Gbe [sxw], Tchumbuli [bqa], Tofin Gbe [tfi], Weme Gbe [wem], Western Xwla Gbe [xwl], Xwela Gbe [xwe].
Literacy rate in L1: 10%. 10% can read Fon, 7% can write it. Taught as subject in primary schools in grades 1 and 2, in 5 schools (2014 SIL). Literature. Newspapers. Periodicals. Radio. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 2014.
Traditional religion, Christian.