Burkina Faso

A Land of Upright People and Resilient Spirit in the Heart of West Africa

Burkina Faso, meaning “Land of Upright People,” is a landlocked country in West Africa, known for its strong cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and more recently, resilience in the face of security challenges. It borders Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Formerly known as Upper Volta under French colonial rule.

  • Gained independence on August 5, 1960.

  • Renamed Burkina Faso in 1984 by revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara.

  • Experienced multiple coups, the latest in 2022, with a military-led transitional government now in place.

  • Nation grappling with jihadist insurgencies, particularly in northern and eastern regions.

Administrative Information

 

Attribute Details
Official Name Burkina Faso
Native Name Pays des hommes intègres
Capital Ouagadougou
Continent Africa (West Africa)
Official Language French
National Languages Mooré, Dioula, Fulfulde, Gourmanchéma, and 60+ others
Currency West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Area Approx. 274,200 sq. km
Population Approx. 23 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone UTC+0
ISO Code BF
Internet TLD .bf
Calling Code +226

Government and Leadership

 

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President (Transitional Head of State) Captain Ibrahim Traoré
Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyélem de Tambèla
Government Type Military-led transitional government
Legislature Suspended (National Assembly dissolved)
Judiciary Constitutional Council, Supreme Court

Administrative Divisions (Regions)

Burkina Faso is divided into 13 regions, which are subdivided into 45 provinces, and further into 351 departments.

List of 13 Regions:

  1. Boucle du Mouhoun

  2. Cascades

  3. Centre (includes capital Ouagadougou)

  4. Centre-Est

  5. Centre-Nord

  6. Centre-Ouest

  7. Centre-Sud

  8. Est

  9. Hauts-Bassins

  10. Nord

  11. Plateau-Central

  12. Sahel

  13. Sud-Ouest

Local Government Structure

  • Each region led by a Governor appointed by the transitional authorities.

  • Provinces are overseen by High Commissioners.

  • Departments and communes have mayors and local councils, although elections are disrupted in conflict zones.

  • Decentralization is a national priority but slowed by insecurity.

Leadership & Governance

  • The transitional government aims to restore territorial integrity, security, and constitutional rule.

  • Military-backed administration has suspended political parties and focuses on:

    • Anti-terrorism

    • National reconciliation

    • Economic reform

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Security provided by:

    • Burkinabe Armed Forces

    • Police and Gendarmerie

    • Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) – local civilian militia

  • High-risk areas: Sahel, Nord, Est, Centre-Nord

  • Emergency response limited outside major cities

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Gold mining – top export and major employer

    • Cotton – major cash crop

    • Livestock and agriculture – millet, sorghum, maize

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 18 billion

  • Economic challenges:

    • Insecurity

    • Inflation

    • Infrastructure gaps

Education & Institutions

  • Free primary education, but access affected by conflict

  • Major institutions:

    • University of Ouagadougou

    • Université Norbert Zongo (Koudougou)

  • Literacy rate: ~45–50%

  • Gender and regional disparities persist

Healthcare

  • Healthcare system under strain due to conflict and displacement

  • Major hospitals:

    • Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital (Ouagadougou)

    • Souro Sanou Hospital (Bobo-Dioulasso)

  • Key issues:

    • Malnutrition

    • Insecurity-related service gaps

    • Maternal and child health

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Ouagadougou International Airport

    • Bobo-Dioulasso Airport

  • Roads:

    • Main corridors connect Burkina Faso to Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo

  • Rail:

    • Abidjan–Ouagadougou line (strategic for exports)

  • Telecom:

    • Mobile networks widely used; internet penetration growing slowly

Tourism & Attractions

  • Sites:

    • Ruins of Loropéni (UNESCO World Heritage)

    • Cultural capital: Bobo-Dioulasso

    • Traditional Mossi, Lobi, and Gourounsi architecture

  • Festivals:

    • FESPACO (African cinema festival – Ouagadougou)

    • SIAO (African crafts exhibition)

  • Tourism affected by security situation

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic groups: Mossi (~50%), Fulani, Gourmantché, Lobi, Bobo, and others

  • Religion: ~60% Muslim, ~25% Christian, ~15% traditional beliefs

  • Music and dance integral: balafon, djembe, griot storytelling

  • Cuisine: tô, riz gras (jollof-style rice), local sauces

  • Known for craftsmanship: bronze, wood carving, textile arts

Summary

Burkina Faso is a proud and culturally rich country navigating significant security and governance challenges. Its people are known for resilience, community solidarity, and artistic expression. With a commitment to restoring peace and inclusive development, Burkina Faso looks to rebuild its future from the heart of West Africa.