Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa, bordered 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. Its central location in the region gives it strategic importance as a crossroads between the coastal countries and the Sahel.
Geography
Climate
Burkina Faso has a primarily tropical climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The country experiences hot temperatures year-round, with the rainy season typically lasting from May to October and the dry season from November to April. The north of the country is arid and semi-arid, while the south has a more humid climate.
Fauna
Despite its predominantly arid landscape, Burkina Faso is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The country’s national parks and reserves provide sanctuary for species such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and various bird species. The W National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly renowned for its biodiversity.
Longest Rivers
The two longest rivers in Burkina Faso are the Black Volta (Mouhoun) and the White Volta (Nakambé). These rivers flow from Burkina Faso’s northern highlands, eventually merging to form the Volta River, which continues southward through Ghana to the Gulf of Guinea.
Highest Mountains
Burkina Faso is predominantly flat, with the West African Sahel dominating its landscape. The country’s highest point is Mount Tenakourou, located in the southwest near the border with Mali, with an elevation of approximately 749 meters (2,457 feet) above sea level.
History
Prehistory
The territory of present-day Burkina Faso has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region was home to various indigenous peoples, including the Gurma, Mossi, and Lobi, who developed complex societies and cultures.
Ancient Kingdoms
Burkina Faso’s history is marked by the rise and fall of several powerful kingdoms, including the Mossi Kingdoms of the central and northern regions and the Lobi and Gurma kingdoms in the southwest. These kingdoms thrived on trade, agriculture, and craftsmanship, leaving behind impressive architectural and artistic legacies.
Colonial Era
Burkina Faso came under French colonial rule in the late 19th century, known then as French West Africa. The French established control over the region through military conquest and economic exploitation, introducing cash crop agriculture and administrative structures that marginalized indigenous governance systems.
Independence and Modern Age
Burkina Faso gained independence from France in 1960, under the leadership of President Maurice Yaméogo. Since independence, the country has experienced periods of political instability, military coups, and social unrest. However, Burkina Faso has also made significant strides in education, healthcare, and economic development.
Demographics
Burkina Faso has a population of approximately 21 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in West Africa. The population is predominantly young, with a large proportion under the age of 25. The majority of Burkinabé are of Mossi ethnicity, with significant populations of Fulani, Gurma, and other ethnic groups.
Administrative Divisions
Burkina Faso is divided into 13 administrative regions, each with its own governor and administrative center. These regions are further subdivided into provinces, departments, and municipalities, providing a hierarchical system of local governance.
Administrative Regions and Population (2022 estimate)
- Boucle du Mouhoun Region – Population: 3,500,000
- Cascades Region – Population: 1,800,000
- Centre Region – Population: 1,500,000
- Centre-Est Region – Population: 2,200,000
- Centre-Nord Region – Population: 2,000,000
- Centre-Ouest Region – Population: 2,100,000
- Centre-Sud Region – Population: 1,600,000
- Est Region – Population: 1,700,000
- Hauts-Bassins Region – Population: 2,800,000
- Nord Region – Population: 1,900,000
- Plateau-Central Region – Population: 1,400,000
- Sahel Region – Population: 1,300,000
- Sud-Ouest Region – Population: 1,300,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Ouagadougou
- Bobo-Dioulasso
- Koudougou
- Ouahigouya
- Banfora
- Dédougou
- Tenkodogo
- Fada N’gourma
- Kaya
- Dori
Education Systems
Education in Burkina Faso is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The government has made significant efforts to expand access to education, particularly in rural areas, although challenges such as teacher shortages and lack of infrastructure persist. The country has several universities and colleges, including the University of Ouagadougou and the University Polytechnique de Bobo-Dioulasso.
Transportation
Airports
Burkina Faso has several airports, with Ouagadougou Airport serving as the main international gateway. Other airports include Bobo-Dioulasso Airport and Ouahigouya Airport, which facilitate domestic and regional air travel.
Railways
Burkina Faso has limited railway infrastructure, with a single line connecting the capital, Ouagadougou, to the port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast. Plans for railway expansion and modernization are underway to improve transportation and trade links with neighboring countries.
Highways
The country has an extensive network of paved and unpaved roads, with major highways connecting urban centers and rural communities. The road network is vital for the transportation of goods, passengers, and agricultural produce.
Ports
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country and does not have direct access to the sea. However, it relies on the ports of neighboring countries, such as Abidjan in Ivory Coast and Lomé in Togo, for international trade and maritime transportation.
Country Facts
- Population: 21 million
- Capital: Ouagadougou
- Language: French (official), Mossi, Fulfulde, others
- Religion: Islam, Christianity, Indigenous beliefs
- Race: Mossi, Fulani, Gurma, others
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- ISO Country Code: BF
- International Calling Code: +226
- Top-level Domain: .bf