# Burkina Faso

> sovereign state in Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q965](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q965)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burkina_Faso)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/burkina-faso

## Summary
Burkina Faso is a sovereign state in Africa, located in West Africa. It is a landlocked country with a population of approximately 23,025,776 as of 2023. Burkina Faso is known for its diverse culture and is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Burkina Faso
- **Area**: 274,200 square kilometres
- **Capital**: Ouagadougou
- **Independence Date**: 1960
- **Population**: 23,025,776 (2023 estimation)
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 12.266667, Longitude -2.066667
- **Continent**: Africa
- **Bordering Countries**: Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Togo
- **Highest Point**: Mount Tenakourou (749 meters)
- **Lowest Point**: Black Volta (200 meters)
- **Timezone**: UTC±00:00, Africa/Ouagadougou
- **National Flag**: Flag of Burkina Faso
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Burkina Faso
- **Anthem**: Une Seule Nuit
- **Motto**: Unity–Progress–Justice
- **Nicknames**: Pays des Hommes intègres (Land of Upright People)
- **National Languages**: Moba, Pana, Paleni, Winye, Jamsai Dogon, Doghose, Bolon, Samwe, Kalamsé, Khe, Tyefo, Sininkere, Cwi Bwamu, Lyélé, Khisa, Laalaa Bwamu, Tamasheq, Kpee, Bomu, Cerma, Senara, Bwamu, Farefare, Dogoso, Dyan, Gourmanchéma, Kasem, Humburi Senni, Kaansa, Kar, Koromfe, Kusaal, Lobi, Nanerigé, Marka, Mooré, Sucite, Sembla, Siamou, Natioro, Puguli, Lorhon, Syer-Tenyer, Turka, Vyemo, Zarma, Dioula, Bissa, Dzùùngoo, Northern Dagara, Kisamo-Matya, Southern Bobo Madaré, Kisamo-Maya, Malba Birifor, Dagaari Dioula, Sissala, Northern Nuni, Jalkunan, Tomo Kan Dogon, Southern Nuni, Northern Toussian, Southern Toussian, Western Niger Fulfulde, Southern Samo, Northern Bobo Madaré, Berba, English
- **Currency**: West African CFA franc
- **Driving Side**: Right-hand traffic
- **Electricity**: 220 volts, 50 Hz; plug types include Europlug, Type E
- **Emergency Number**: 112 (emergency medical services), 17 (police), 18 (fire department)
- **International Calling Code**: +226
- **Internet TLD**: .bf
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: BF, Alpha-3: BFA, Numeric: 854
- **M49 Code**: 854
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: BF
- **Licence Plate Code**: BF (since 1990)
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 633
- **Mobile Country Code**: 613

## FAQs
**What type of government does Burkina Faso have?**
Burkina Faso is a sovereign state with a history of political changes, including periods of military rule and democratic governance. The country has experienced several coups, with the most recent being the January 2022 Burkina Faso coup d'état, which led to a military junta.

**What is Burkina Faso's current population and demographic profile?**
As of 2023, Burkina Faso has an estimated population of 23,025,776. The population has grown significantly from 4,829,291 in 1960. The country has a high birth rate and a relatively young population.

**What are Burkina Faso's economic indicators?**
Burkina Faso's nominal GDP was $20,324,617,844 in 2023. The country has a Gini coefficient of 47.3 (2018), indicating significant income inequality. The unemployment rate is relatively low at 3% (2014).

**What international organizations is Burkina Faso a member of?**
Burkina Faso is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations (since 1960), African Union, World Trade Organization, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1974), and many others.

**What is Burkina Faso's human development status?**
Burkina Faso's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.449 (2021), classified as "Low." The Inequality-adjusted HDI is 0.315 (2021). Life expectancy at birth is approximately 60.361 years (2016).

**What are Burkina Faso's major holidays and public celebrations?**
Public holidays in Burkina Faso include New Year's Day (January 1), International Workers' Day (May 1), and Independence Day (August 5). The country also celebrates various cultural and religious festivals.

**What administrative divisions does Burkina Faso have?**
Burkina Faso is divided into 13 regions and 45 provinces. The regions include Boucle du Mouhoun, Cascades, Centre, Centre-Est, Centre-Nord, Centre-Ouest, Centre-Sud, Est, Hauts-Bassins, Nord, Plateau-Central, Sahel, and Sud-Ouest.

**What is Burkina Faso's relationship with neighboring countries?**
Burkina Faso shares borders with Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Togo. The country maintains diplomatic relations with numerous nations, including Germany, Ghana, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Taiwan, the United States, Russia, North Korea, and Georgia.

## Why It Matters
Burkina Faso matters as a significant player in West Africa, contributing to regional stability and economic development. The country's membership in various international organizations highlights its commitment to global cooperation and development. Burkina Faso's cultural diversity and rich history make it a unique and important nation in Africa. The country's efforts to improve human development and reduce inequality are crucial for its future growth and stability.

## Notable For
- **High Population Growth**: Burkina Faso has experienced significant population growth, from 4,829,291 in 1960 to over 23 million in 2023.
- **Diverse Culture**: The country is known for its diverse cultural heritage, with numerous languages and ethnic groups.
- **International Memberships**: Burkina Faso is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union.
- **Economic Indicators**: The country has a nominal GDP of $20,324,617,844 (2023) and a Gini coefficient of 47.3 (2018).
- **Human Development**: Burkina Faso's HDI is 0.449 (2021), indicating ongoing challenges in human development.
- **Political Changes**: The country has experienced several political changes, including military coups and democratic transitions.
- **Cultural Festivals**: Burkina Faso celebrates various cultural and religious festivals, showcasing its rich cultural heritage.

## Body

### History and Independence
Burkina Faso gained independence from France on August 5, 1960. The country was formerly known as the Republic of Upper Volta until 1984, when it was renamed Burkina Faso by President Thomas Sankara. The name Burkina Faso means "Land of Upright People" in the Mooré and Dioula languages.

### Geography and Environment
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa, covering an area of 274,200 square kilometres. The country is characterized by a savanna landscape with a tropical climate. The highest point is Mount Tenakourou at 749 meters, and the lowest point is the Black Volta at 200 meters.

### Government and Politics
Burkina Faso has experienced several political changes, including military coups and democratic transitions. The country is currently governed by a military junta following the January 2022 Burkina Faso coup d'état. The head of state is Ibrahim Traoré, who assumed office on October 6, 2022.

### Demographics and Society
Burkina Faso has a population of approximately 23,025,776 as of 2023. The country is known for its diverse cultural heritage, with numerous languages and ethnic groups. The official languages include Mooré, Bissa, Dioula, and French. The population is predominantly rural, with a significant portion engaged in agriculture.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Burkina Faso's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cotton being a major export. The country has a nominal GDP of $20,324,617,844 (2023) and a Gini coefficient of 47.3 (2018), indicating significant income inequality. The unemployment rate is relatively low at 3% (2014). The country uses the West African CFA franc as its currency.

### International Relations and Memberships
Burkina Faso maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries and is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, African Union, World Trade Organization, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The country is also a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag of Burkina Faso consists of two horizontal stripes of red and green, with a yellow five-pointed star in the center. The coat of arms features a shield with a lion and a book, symbolizing the country's strength and education. The national anthem is "Une Seule Nuit," and the motto is "Unity–Progress–Justice."

### Administrative Divisions
Burkina Faso is divided into 13 regions and 45 provinces. The regions include Boucle du Mouhoun, Cascades, Centre, Centre-Est, Centre-Nord, Centre-Ouest, Centre-Sud, Est, Hauts-Bassins, Nord, Plateau-Central, Sahel, and Sud-Ouest. Each region has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
Burkina Faso uses the .bf top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +226. The aircraft registration prefix is BF, and the license plate code is BF (since 1990). The maritime identification digits are 633, and the mobile country code is 613. The ISO codes are Alpha-2: BF, Alpha-3: BFA, Numeric: 854. The M49 code is 854. The emergency numbers are 112 (emergency medical services), 17 (police), and 18 (fire department). The timezone is UTC±00:00, Africa/Ouagadougou.

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