Overview of Burkina

Profile

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in central West Africa relying mainly on agriculture, mining, and handicrafts. After independence from French colonial Upper Volta, the country was renamed in 1984. Gold exports are the economic mainstay, with gold production ranking among Africa's top producers. The majority of the population resides in rural areas, with recent increases in internally displaced persons due to climate change and extremist impacts. The capital Ouagadougou is one of the Sahel's leading cultural cities, and the biennial FESPACO (Pan-African Film Festival of Ouagadougou) is internationally renowned as the continent's largest film event.

Official name: Burkina Faso
Common name: Burkina
Numeric code: 854
Alpha-3 code: BFA
Alpha-2 code: BF
Population: Approximately 22 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 80 people/km²
Primary languages: French, Moore, Fula, Dioula
Major religions: Islam, Christianity, Traditional religions
National anthem: Une Seule Nuit (One Single Night)
Calling code: +226
Internet TLD: .bf

History

From Mossi kingdoms through French colonial rule to independence in 1960. Repeated coups and regime changes, under military government since 2022.

Mossi people, settling from the 11th century, established kingdoms centered in Ouagadougou, becoming a French protectorate in the late 19th century. Reorganized as Upper Volta colony in 1947, it gained independence as a republic in 1960. The 1983 Thomas Sankara regime changed the country's name to Burkina Faso, but Sankara was assassinated in a 1987 coup. Subsequent regime changes continued, with the rise of Islamic extremists and deteriorating security. January and September 2022 coups saw the military regain power, with civilian transition postponed until July 2029.

Geography & climate

Most of the country is a savanna plateau at 200-300m elevation with gentle undulations. North is semi-desert Sahel, southwest has rolling hills. Three Volta River tributaries flow south into Ghana.

Savanna and semi-arid Sahel climate

Area: Africa / 274200 km²
Capital: Ouagadougou
Largest city: Ouagadougou
Coastal status: No
Bordering countries: Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire

Natural resources

Gold, Manganese, Phosphate rock, Copper, Limestone, Zinc, Shea trees, Pastureland, Solar energy, Geothermal potential

Politics

Government: Presidential republic (Interim military government)

Economy

Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)

GDP (nominal): 209 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 560 hundred million USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French, Moore, Fula, Dioula

Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Mossi, Fula, Gourmantché, Gurunsi, Bobo, Lobi, Mande peoples, Senufo

Life expectancy

60.4 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 44%

National sports

Football (Soccer), Wrestling (La Lutte Traditionnelle), Athletics, Cycling, Basketball