Official Name: Burkina Faso
Capital: Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north and west; Niger to the east; Benin to the southeast; Togo and Ghana to the south; and Ivory Coast to the southwest.
Area: Approximately 274,200 square kilometers (approximately 105,900 square miles).
Population: Approximately 21 million people (as of 2023 estimate).
Language: The official language is French.
Burkina Faso has a primarily tropical climate with two very distinct seasons. The rainy season lasts approximately four months, May/June through September, and is shorter in the north of the country.
Burkina Faso’s economy is heavily reliant on agricultural production, with close to 80% of the working population employed in the sector. Cotton is the country’s most important cash crop, while gold exports have gained importance in recent years.
Burkina Faso is a constitutional republic, where the President of Burkina Faso is both the head of state and head of government.
Education in Burkina Faso is marked by significant challenges, including high illiteracy rates and low school attendance, particularly among girls. The government has taken steps to improve access to education, but progress has been slow.
The culture of Burkina Faso in West Africa is known for its rich art and culture. The Mossi is the largest ethnic group among 60 in the country. Music, dance, and festivals are a large part of the cultural life in Burkina Faso.
The name Burkina Faso translates to “Land of Honest Men”. The country hosts the International Art and Craft Fair, Ouagadougou, which is one of the most important African craft fairs.
This is a general overview of Burkina Faso. There’s much more to learn about this country, from its vibrant culture to its complex history.
