Laourou (H. Martin). - Estimated death rate in Benin, based on a multi-stage survey visits (1981-1983). Information obtained through multi-stage surveys involving repeated visits is more reliable than that derived from a single visit, but these surveys may reach an impasse for several reasons, especially when the methods of analysis used in processing data are either inappropriate or inadequate. We developed a methodological approach which ensures proper coverage of deaths recorded between visits, except in Cotonou where data are les reliable because of household mobility. But in the case of Benin, we show that, except in Cotonou, migration did not affect the reliability of survey results. The results were therefore used to establish the first life tables for Benin (excluding Cotonou), constructed from raw data. These tables differ significantly from model life tables, but appear to reflect the level and structure of mortality in Benin.