Burkina Faso is a country surrounded by six neighboring countries. Its name means a ”Land of Incorruptible People”. It gained its independence from France as Upper Volta in 1960. These Burkina Faso Facts will help you to know more about the beauty of the country.
1. Location
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It shares borders with these six countries; Mali to the north and west, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to the southwest.
2. Capital
Ouagadougou is the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso and in Mòoré dialect, it is written as “Wogodogo” which means “You are welcome here at home with us”. It is the country’s political and economic center.
3. Language
The official language spoken by Burkina Faso is French but many native languages are spoken in the country but among the many are; Mossi, Fulfulde, and Dioula.
4. Independence
Burkina Faso gained independence from France on August 5, 1960. Prior to this, it was known as French Upper Volta.
5. Population
Burkina Faso has an estimated population of over 23 million people and it is equivalent to 0.29% of the total world population.
6. Geography
The country’s landscape is characterized by savannahs, plateaus, and low-lying plains. Burkina Faso is part of the Sahel region, which experiences a semi-arid climate with a distinct dry season and a rainy season.
7. Government
Burkina Faso is a semi-presidential republic with a President serving as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
8. Economy
Burkina Faso’s economy is based on agriculture, mining, and trade. Cotton is a major cash crop, and gold mining is a significant contributor to the country’s economy but the country faces economic challenges, which includes poverty and limited access to education and healthcare.
9. Culture
The culture of Burkina Faso is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on traditional music and dance. The country is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, including the FESPACO (Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou), which is one of the largest film festivals in Africa.
10. Security Challenges
Burkina Faso has faced security challenges in recent years, including insurgent attacks and terrorism, particularly in the northern and eastern regions but the government has been working to address these issues with the assistance of international counterparts.
See also…. Accommodation information in Burkina Faso
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