BURKINA FASO OVERVIEW

Flag of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso (often called simply “Burkina” by locals) is a small, landlocked, and poverty-stricken nation situated in the heart of West Africa. It is bordered by six other countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, and Ghana. Though it has limited natural resources and one of the highest poverty rates in the world, Burkina Faso has maintained more social and political stability in recent years than many of its neighbors. Unrest in Cote d’Ivoire and northern Ghana, for example, has hindered seasonal Burkinabe farm workers from finding once-expected employment in those countries.


Population: 16.3 million (2010)
Capital: Ouagadougou (population 1.5 million)
Area: 274,200 sq km (105,870 sq miles – about the size of Colorado)
Nationality: Burkinabe
Annual population growth rate: 3.1% (2010; 12th highest in the world)
Life expectancy: 53 years (men), 56 years (women)
Ethnic groups: Mossi (over 40%), other (approximately 60%; includes Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani)
Literacy: 28.7% (2010; percentage of population aged 15 and older who can read and write)
Major languages: French (official); regional languages include Mòoré, Dioula, Peulh, Gourma, and Bambara
Major religions: Muslim (50%), indigenous beliefs (40%), Christian (10%; mainly Roman Catholic)
Workforce: Agriculture (77.9%); industry (2.1%); commerce, services, and government (5.5%)
Major agricultural products: cotton, peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, sorghum, millet, corn, rice, and livestock
Major industries: cotton lint, beverages and bottling, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, mining (mostly gold)
Main exports: cotton, animal products, gold
Monetary unit: CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine)
GNI per capita: US $510 (World Bank, 2009)
Government: semi-presidential republic

  • President: Blaise Compaoré
  • Prime Minister: Tertius Zongo

Terrain: savanna, brushy plains, and scattered hills, with a desert area in the north
Climate: sahelian; pronounced wet and dry seasons