Burkina Faso
Capital
Ouagadougou
Population
~21.5 million
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- French
- Religion
- Islam, indigenous beliefs
- Climate
- Tropical savanna; hot with rainy season (June-September)
Culture & History
Known for: gold production, film festival (FESPACO), and Sahel region droughts
Also famous for: traditional mossi culture, handicrafts, and music
Food: Tô (millet porridge)
Brief History
Part of ancient West African empires; French colony (Upper Volta); independence 1960; name changed to Burkina Faso in 1984; faces challenges with poverty and extremism