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Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso

🏙️ Capital city:

Ouagadougou

📈 Country population:

24 million

🗺️ Country area:

272,967 km²

Core Facts / Infobox

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Official NameBurkina Faso
Common NameBurkina Faso
Political StatusSovereign republic (transitional / military-led government)
ISO CodesBF, BFA, 854
Internet TLD.bf
Calling Code+226
Capital CityOuagadougou
Largest CityOuagadougou
Coordinates12.24° N, 1.56° W
Time ZoneUTC+0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
Population (2025 est.)~24 million
Area272,967 km²
Population Density~88 per km²
LanguagesFrench (official); Mooré, Dioula, Fulfulde and others
CurrencyWest African CFA Franc (XOF)
Driving SideRight
GDP (Nominal)~USD 20 billion
GDP Per Capita~USD 830
HDILow
Life Expectancy~61 years
Continent & SubregionAfrica — West Africa (Sahel)
National DayIndependence Day (5 August)
National AnthemUne Seule Nuit

Geography & Environment

  • Landlocked country in West Africa’s Sahel region.
  • Borders Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Mostly flat savanna landscape with seasonal rivers.
  • Climate: semi-arid with a long dry season.

Demographics

  • Population: ~24 million.
  • Highly youthful population.
  • Major ethnic groups: Mossi, Fulani, Gurunsi, Bobo.
  • Religions: Islam, Christianity, traditional beliefs.

History

  • Historic Mossi kingdoms dominated the region.
  • Colonized by France as Upper Volta.
  • Gained independence in 1960.
  • Renamed Burkina Faso (“Land of Upright People”) in 1984.
  • Recent history marked by coups and security challenges.

Government & Politics

  • Political system: Republic under transitional authority.
  • Head of State: Transitional leadership.
  • Legislative bodies: transitional councils.
  • Administrative divisions: regions and provinces.

Economy

  • Low-income developing economy.
  • Key sectors: agriculture, gold mining, services.
  • Main exports: gold, cotton, livestock.
  • Strengths: mineral resources.
  • Weaknesses: insecurity, climate shocks, poverty.

Culture & Society

  • Strong traditions in music, dance, and crafts.
  • Renowned for storytelling and mask festivals.
  • Community values central to social life.

Food & Cuisine

  • Staple foods: millet, sorghum, maize.
  • Traditional dishes: to, riz gras, sauce arachide.
  • Simple, hearty cuisine adapted to Sahel climate.

Education & Institutions

  • Education access improving but remains limited.
  • Major institution: University of Ouagadougou.

Tourism

  • Limited tourism due to security concerns.
  • Known for cultural festivals and crafts.
  • FESPACO (Pan-African Film and Television Festival).

Practical Information

  • Emergency services availability varies.
  • Plug type: C/E; Voltage: 220V.
  • Infrastructure limited outside major cities.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

  • Popular sports: football, wrestling.
  • Strong cultural arts scene.
  • Notable figures: Thomas Sankara.

Neighboring Countries of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is located in West Africa and borders six countries: Benin to the southeast, Côte d’Ivoire to the southwest, Ghana to the south, Mali to the north and west, Niger to the east, and Togo to the south.

Famous For

  • Gold production.
  • Pan-African film culture (FESPACO).
  • Mossi heritage.
  • Resilient Sahel communities.

Sources

  • World Bank
  • United Nations (UN Data)
  • IMF
  • CIA World Factbook
  • National Institute of Statistics and Demography (Burkina Faso)