If you’ve received an unexpected missed call or a suspicious message from a phone number starting with the prefix +229, you’re not alone. Many people ask, “229 which country?” or “what country is +229?” The direct answer is that the 229 country code belongs to the Republic of Benin, a nation in West Africa. The primary reason people search for this 229 code is often not simple curiosity, but serious concern. The international code 229 has become notoriously associated with a variety of phone and messaging scams designed to defraud unsuspecting individuals across the globe.
This comprehensive guide will provide a definitive answer to every question you might have about the +229 country code. We’ll explore not only “which country is 229” but also offer a critical security briefing. You will learn about the specific scams linked to this 229 phone code, including the prevalent 229 WhatsApp spam. We will explain how to distinguish the country code +229 from a similarly numbered U.S. area code, and most importantly, provide practical, step-by-step instructions on how to protect yourself, block unwanted contact, and report fraudulent activity.
The Core Explanation: All About Country Code +229 and the Nation of Benin
Understanding the origin of the 229 code country is the first step. This prefix is more than just a series of numbers; it is a digital gateway to a unique and historically rich West African nation.
What is Country Code +229?
The number +229 is the international dialing code assigned to the Republic of Benin. This country code for 229 functions as a mandatory prefix for routing all telephone calls from outside Benin to a phone number within its borders. Whether you see it as +229, the country code 00229, or just 229, it signifies a connection to this specific country 229.
When dialing internationally, this code can be expressed as +229 or 00229. The plus symbol (+) on a mobile phone universally represents the international exit code of the country from which the call is being made. Alternatively, 00 is a common international exit code. So, if you’re wondering “which country code is 00229,” the answer is also Benin. The term “229 indicatif” or “indicatif telephonique 229” is simply the French for “229 code,” which is fitting as French is the official language of Benin.
An Introduction to the Republic of Benin
To fully understand the context behind the country with code 229, it’s essential to know about the nation itself.
Geography and Location
The Republic of Benin is a West African country sharing borders with Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Its southern edge lies on the Bight of Benin. A key fact about the country that uses 229 is its dual-capital arrangement. While the official capital is Porto-Novo, the nation’s largest city and de facto administrative capital is Cotonou, which serves as the seat of government.
People, Language, and Culture
Benin is home to over 13.7 million people. As a former French colony, its official language is French. However, the country is a mosaic of cultures, with over 50 indigenous languages spoken, including Fon and Yoruba. This is the nation behind the +229 country number.
Economy and Telecommunications
Benin’s economy is developing, based largely on agriculture and regional trade. The country’s telecommunications authority has been updating its national numbering plan to manage growth, which is why a stable system for the 229 country code is in place.
Understanding Phone Numbers in Benin
After the +229 dialing code, a standard phone number in Benin consists of eight digits. The numbering plan distinguishes between landlines (often starting with 2) and mobile numbers (often starting with 4x, 5x, 6x, and 9x). So, if you see a full +229 country number, you can sometimes tell if it’s a mobile or landline.
| Benin at a Glance | |
| Official Name | Republic of Benin (République du Bénin) |
| Country Code | +229, 00229 |
| Capital | Porto-Novo |
| Seat of Government | Cotonou |
| Official Language | French |
| Population | Approx. 13.7 million |
| Currency | West African CFA franc (XOF) |
| Time Zone | UTC+1 |
| Internet TLD | .bj |
The Deep Dive: WARNING – Understanding the Risks of Calls from +229
The high volume of searches asking “what country code is 229” is overwhelmingly driven by one primary concern: scams. The country using 229 has become a known hotspot for telecommunication fraud. Understanding these schemes is the best defense.
The “Wangiri” Scam: The Missed Call Trap
One of the most common reasons for receiving a 229 country code missed call is a scam known as “Wangiri.” The term is Japanese for “one ring and cut.” Scammers use auto-dialers to call thousands of numbers and hang up after one ring.
The goal is to pique your curiosity. When you see the missed call from the 229 number country, you might be tempted to call back. Don’t. The number is an expensive International Premium-Rate Number. When you call back, you are charged exorbitant per-minute rates, and the scammers profit. They use tricks like hold music or fake connection issues to keep you on the line as long as possible.
WhatsApp and Messaging Scams: The New Frontier of Fraud
Beyond one-ring scams, the 229 code is frequently used for fraudulent activities on messaging platforms. If you’ve received a suspicious 229 WhatsApp message, you are a target. Scammers use the country code 229 WhatsApp connection for several schemes:
- Account Hijacking: They might trick you into sharing your six-digit verification code to take over your account.
- Impersonation and Romance Scams: They create fake profiles to feign an emergency and ask for money.
- Phishing: Messages with malicious links claiming you’ve won a prize or have a package delivery are common forms of 229 WhatsApp spam.
- Job and Investment Scams: Unsolicited messages, sometimes appearing as “lada 229 whatsapp,” offer fake jobs or high-return investments that require an upfront fee.
The problem is so widespread that people also report similar scams from other country codes, often searching for “country code 62 whatsapp” or “62 831 country code whatsapp,” which are linked to Indonesia. The tactics are the same: exploit user trust to commit fraud.
Clearing Up Confusion: Country Code 229 vs. Area Code 229
A significant point of confusion, especially for U.S. residents, is the difference between the international code 229 and the domestic area code 229. Scammers rely on this mix-up.
Benin, West Africa vs. Southwest Georgia, USA
It is critical to understand this distinction:
- Country Code +229 is for the Republic of Benin. Any call starting with
+229is international. - Area Code 229 is a domestic U.S. area code for southwest Georgia, covering cities like Albany and Valdosta. If you’re wondering “where is area code 229,” it’s in the United States.
A person in the U.S. might see a call from a number displayed as “(229) xxx-xxxx” and assume it’s domestic. However, a call from Benin will show as +229.... Overlooking the + symbol is the mistake scammers hope you’ll make. So, when asking “what area code is 229,” the answer is Georgia, but if you see +229, you’re dealing with the country with 229 as its code—Benin.
Debunking Other Common Typos and Similar Codes
The search for the 229 code number which country it belongs to often includes typos.
- Did You Mean +299? A common typo is +299, which is the country code for Greenland.
- What About +62? The country code +62 belongs to Indonesia. Searches for “country code 62 831” or “628 country code whatsapp” are common because, like the country that uses 229, Indonesia is also a source of WhatsApp scams.
Practical & Actionable Advice: Your Guide to Staying Safe
Knowledge is the first step, but action is what truly protects you. Here are concrete steps to handle any communication from the +229 code country.
How to Safely Call a Legitimate Number in Benin
If you have a valid reason to call the country use 229, follow the correct dialing procedure.
- From the USA/Canada: Dial
011 + 229 + [8-digit number]. - From the UK/Europe: Dial
00 + 229 + [8-digit number]. - From any Mobile Phone: Use the
+symbol:+229 XX XX XX XX.
Your First Line of Defense: How to Block Unwanted Calls
- On iPhone & Android: Block the number directly from your recent calls list.
- Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone): Enable this feature in your phone’s settings to send all calls from non-contacts to voicemail.
- Use Spam Protection (Android): Enable your phone’s built-in “Caller ID & spam protection.”
- Contact Your Carrier: Ask your mobile provider to put a block on all outgoing international calls to prevent accidental and costly callbacks.
Taking Action: How and Where to Report Scam Numbers
Reporting is crucial. If you receive a suspicious 229 whatsapp message or call:
- Report within WhatsApp: Use the “Report” and “Block” function directly in the app.
- Report to Your Phone Carrier: If you were charged for a call, contact your provider to dispute the charges.
- Report to Government Authorities (US): File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.econsumer.gov and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What country uses the phone code +229?
The phone code 229 is the international country calling code for the Republic of Benin in West Africa. Any search for “which country uses 229 code” or “which country is+229” will lead to Benin.
Are all calls and messages from +229 numbers a scam?
No. The +229country code is the legitimate prefix for Benin. However, because this code 229 which country is Benin is so frequently used for scams, any unsolicited contact from a +229 number should be treated with extreme caution.
What is the difference between country code 229 and area code 229?
The country code + 229 is for international calls to Benin. The 229 area code is a domestic code for Southwest Georgia, USA. They are completely unrelated.
How can I stop receiving spam messages on WhatsApp from +229?
Do not reply. Block the sender and then Report the contact to WhatsApp immediately. Never click any links from a suspicious message asking “which country code is 229 whatsapp.”
I called back a +229 number by mistake. What should I do?
Hang up immediately. Monitor your next phone bill for premium charges and contact your carrier to dispute them if they appear. Block the number to prevent future contact.
Conclusion
The international dialing code +229 is the country code for the Republic of Benin. While it serves a legitimate purpose, the prefix 229 which country is Benin has been co-opted by criminals for widespread Wangiri and WhatsApp scams. This has led to confusion with the U.S. area code 229 in Southwest Georgia.
Your best defense is caution. Adhere to this golden rule: Never answer or call back an unexpected international number. A moment of curiosity isn’t worth the risk. Help protect others by sharing this guide.
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