Burkina Faso: Information
09-10-2026
Burkina Faso: Essential Country Profile, Geography, and Key Facts
Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation located in the heart of West Africa, bordered by Mali to the north and west, Niger to the east, and Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Ivory Coast to the south. Formerly known as Upper Volta, the country adopted the name Burkina Faso in 1984 under the leadership of Thomas Sankara, translating roughly to “Land of Incorruptible People.”
Quick Facts and Demographics
Capital and Largest City: Ouagadougou
Official Language: French (alongside widely spoken national languages including Mooré, Dioula, and Fulfulde)
Population: Approximately 23 million
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
Climate: Predominantly tropical savanna with a warm, dry Sahelian zone in the north and a wetter Sudanian zone in the south
Geography and Landscape
Covering an area of roughly 274,200 square kilometers, Burkina Faso is characterized by a relatively flat, rolling plateau interspersed with isolated hills. The country is drained primarily by the three main branches of the Volta River system: the Mouhoun (Black Volta), Nazinon (Red Volta), and Nakambé (White Volta). While the northern regions transition into the semi-arid Sahel, southern areas support richer vegetation and agricultural activity.
Economy and Natural Resources
The economy relies heavily on agriculture and mining:
Gold Mining: Gold represents the country’s largest export, driving significant foreign exchange revenue and foreign direct investment.
Agriculture and Livestock: Over 70% of the population engages in subsistence farming and livestock rearing, with cotton serving as the primary cash crop alongside sorghum, millet, maize, and groundnuts.
Industry and Trade: Developing light industries focus mainly on food processing, textiles, and artisanal production.
Culture and Heritage
Burkina Faso is renowned for its vibrant arts, traditional crafts, and cinema culture. The capital hosts FESPACO (Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou), the continent’s most prestigious film festival, as well as the International Arts and Crafts Fair (SIAO), celebrating traditional West African craftsmanship, bronzework, and textiles.