The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Cotonou are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 16 user contributions.

This comprehensive approach helps provide a balanced view of the city's crime rates, environmental concerns, air quality, and public safety. By aggregating information from government reports, environmental studies, and direct feedback from residents, we aim offer an up-to-date and thorough analysis of key factors impacting quality of life in Cotonou.

Crime Data in Cotonou

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, the city of Cotonou in Benin illustrates a relatively safe environment with a moderate crime index of 37.838828, suggesting a general perception of safety among its residents.

While residents express a sense of safety especially during daylight, concerns about corruption, property crimes, and encountering bias due to ethnicity or religion persist.

Some notable concerns include:

  • Property Crimes - Property-related crimes such as theft are perceived as less of a threat, contributing to a moderate worry among residents. There's a general confidence in personal safety with relatively low fear of home break-ins and muggings.
  • Drug-Related Issues - Cotonou shows minimal concern about drug-related issues, indicating effective measures or lower visibility of drug problems, enhancing the city's perceived safety.
  • Violent Crimes - The city's residents report low levels of concern surrounding violent crimes like assaults and robberies. This suggests that violent crime is not considered a significant threat to personal safety.
  • Public Safety - Public safety perception is notably higher during the day, reflecting a strong sense of comfort and security among the population. This positive sentiment decreases slightly at night, but overall safety remains a strong point.

Crime Trends and Safety

  • Rising Crime Concerns - There is a modest concern that crime may be on the rise, driven mostly by worries about corruption and its influence on public trust and safety.
  • Specific Fears - Specific anxiety stems from corruption and the potential for bias incidents, particularly based on ethnicity or religion, which need strategic attention to maintain harmony and safety.

Summary of Crime in Cotonou

Cotonou's crime landscape shows a community largely feeling safe, notwithstanding concerns about corruption and specific bias-related fears. Continued efforts are necessary to address these concerns while maintaining the positive aspects of the city's crime management.

Pollution Data in Cotonou

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Cotonou faces significant air quality challenges with pollution levels rated as very high, presenting substantial environmental and health risks. The air quality is particularly concerning, with poor air conditions impacting daily life and health.

Residents are increasingly expressing concern over air pollution, especially due to the lack of effective measures to tackle prevailing environmental problems.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - PM2.5 levels in Cotonou are alarmingly high, posing severe health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 levels are also critically high, contributing to the heightened pollution index and necessitating urgent interventions.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Garbage disposal is a major point of dissatisfaction among Cotonou's residents, reflecting severe challenges in waste management and urban cleanliness.

Noise and light pollution issues are at a moderate level, yet they still contribute to the prevailing nuisance in the city's busy areas.

  • Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Satisfaction with garbage disposal is extremely low, indicating widespread frustration with waste management practices, impacting the overall environmental quality.
  • Noise and Light Pollution - While less pressing than other issues, noise and light pollution still affect life in Cotonou's urban areas, needing better regulation and planning.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

The quality of green spaces in Cotonou is lacking, offering limited relief from urban stress and contributing little to ecological health.

Drinking water quality and accessibility present significant concerns, with negative public feedback signaling urgent action needed to ensure safe and accessible water for all.

  • Green and Parks Quality - Public green spaces are nearly non-existent, placing immense pressure on community well-being and the ecological balance.
  • Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water accessibility and quality are critical issues, heavily influencing public health and well-being in Cotonou.
Cotonou Crime and Pollution

"Key Takeaways"

Cotonou's crime situation is moderate with a relatively positive public perception of safety, yet challenges like corruption and ethnic bias need constant monitoring and intervention.

The pollution situation demands immediate attention with very high pollution indices primarily from poor air quality and inadequate waste disposal systems.

Efforts to improve the living conditions in Cotonou must address these environmental challenges, while leveraging the current strengths in crime management to sustain safety perceptions.