last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Burkina Faso
Location Map of Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso
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Quick Overview
The "Land of Upright People", more simply called Burkina or Burkina Faso, is a landlocked country in West Africa.
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Location: in the heart of West Africa, southeast of Mali.
- Latitude/longitude: 12°22' N, 1°31' W.
- Local time:
- Capital: Ouagadougou.
- Nature of the state: semi-presidential republic.
- Official language: French plus three languages with "national language" status (Mooré, Dioula, Fulani).
- Currency: CFA franc
- Population: 19,742,715 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 274,400 km².
- Density: 72 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Ténakourou (749 m).
- Lowest point: Black Volta (200 m).
- Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
A Sahelian country far from the sea, Burkina Faso is primarily a destination for those wishing to discover its people, cultures, and specific traditions, though it also offers some beautiful landscapes, a certain African wildlife, and various historical sites.
In short, the country has its assets, but unfortunately, it has also been experiencing a wave of insecurity and terrorist attacks, particularly along its borders. As a result, it attracts far fewer visitors. While 144,000 tourists explored Burkina Faso in 2018 (many of them French), there were twice as many a decade ago.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for somewhat experienced travelers.
- By air: France-Ouagadougou.
- Entry requirements: passport valid at least 6 months after planned departure date + visa + yellow fever vaccination + return or onward ticket
- Currency to bring: euros.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature / ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/holidays
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 183/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $1,900 USD (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +0.4% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: ()
- Population below poverty line: 40% (2011)
- Life expectancy: 61.8 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: 0 (2017)
- Population growth: +2.76% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 36% (2015)
- Urban population: 29.4% (2018)
- Press freedom: 41/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: hybrid regime (104/168 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook