Benin is divided into 12 departments (French: départements), and subdivided into 77 communes. In 1999, the previous six departments were each split into two halves, forming the current 12. The new six departments have not been assigned a capital yet. Alibori* Atakora Atlantique Borgou Collines* Kouffo* Donga* Littoral* Mono Ouémé Plateau* Zou *Formed in 1999