About BF
Official Name
Burkina Faso, meaning "Land of Incorruptible People." It was formerly known as Upper Volta.
Location
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.
Capital
The capital city of Burkina Faso is Ouagadougou.
Population
Burkina Faso has a population of approximately 21.5 million people.
Languages
The official language of Burkina Faso is French. However, there are over 60 ethnic languages spoken throughout the country, including Mossi, Dyula, and Fulfulde.
Ethnic Diversity
Burkina Faso is home to various ethnic groups, with the Mossi being the largest ethnic group, accounting for about half of the population. Other ethnic groups include the Fulani, Bobo, Gurunsi, and Senufo, among others.
Geography
Burkina Faso is characterized by savannah grasslands, with some areas of semi-arid desert in the north. The country also has a few low-lying hills and a plateau region. The Volta River flows through the southwestern part of Burkina Faso.
Economy
Burkina Faso's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop. Other important agricultural products include millet, sorghum, maize, and shea nuts. The country also has significant gold reserves, and mining contributes to its economy.
Currency
The currency of Burkina Faso is the West African CFA franc (XOF).
Government
Burkina Faso is a semi-presidential republic with a multi-party political system. The President of Burkina Faso is both the head of state and the head of government, while the Prime Minister serves as the head of government.
Culture
Burkina Faso has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and art playing important roles in society. The Mossi people, the largest ethnic group, have a rich oral tradition and are known for their masked dances and festivals.
National Items of Burkina Faso
White Stallion
The White Stallion is a national symbol of Burkina Faso. It represents strength, freedom, and the rich equestrian heritage of the country.
Baobab Tree
The Baobab Tree (Adansonia) is a significant natural symbol in Burkina Faso. It represents resilience, longevity, and the country's diverse flora.
Faso Dan Fani
Faso Dan Fani is a traditional handwoven cotton cloth from Burkina Faso. It symbolizes the country's rich artisanal heritage, cultural identity, and traditional craftsmanship.
Sorghum
Sorghum is a staple crop in Burkina Faso. It symbolizes the agricultural heritage and the importance of farming in the country's economy and daily life.
Djembe Drum
The Djembe Drum is a traditional musical instrument in Burkina Faso. It symbolizes the rich musical heritage, cultural traditions, and social gatherings.
Mossi Kingdoms
The Mossi Kingdoms, particularly the Mossi people, are an essential part of Burkina Faso's cultural heritage. They symbolize historical significance, cultural identity, and traditional governance.
Bobo Mask
The Bobo Mask, used in traditional ceremonies and dances by the Bobo people, symbolizes the rich cultural heritage, artistry, and spiritual beliefs of Burkina Faso.
Burkinabe Rice
Rice is a significant agricultural product in Burkina Faso. It symbolizes sustenance, agricultural practices, and the culinary traditions of the country.
Sculpture of the Hippopotamus
The hippopotamus is a common motif in Burkinabe art and culture. It symbolizes the rich wildlife heritage and the importance of water bodies in the country's ecology.
Burkina Faso Music and Dance
Traditional music and dance, including genres like balafon and the waraba dance, symbolize the rich cultural heritage and artistic expression of Burkina Faso.
Nazinga Game Ranch
The Nazinga Game Ranch is a significant wildlife reserve in Burkina Faso. It represents the country's commitment to wildlife conservation and natural beauty.
Shea Butter
Shea Butter is a significant product in Burkina Faso, used in cosmetics and cooking. It symbolizes the agricultural heritage and economic importance of shea trees.
Bogolan (Mudcloth)
Bogolan, or mudcloth, is a traditional textile made using fermented mud. It symbolizes the rich artisanal traditions and cultural heritage of Burkina Faso.
Ouagadougou
The capital city, Ouagadougou, represents the political, cultural, and economic center of Burkina Faso.
Griots
Griots are traditional storytellers and musicians. They symbolize the oral tradition, cultural heritage, and historical knowledge of Burkina Faso.
The national anthem of Burkina Faso is called "Une Seule Nuit" in French. Here are the lyrics in French and their English translation:
Une seule nuit a suffi
Pour que jaillisse la lumière,
Sur nos terres se leva
L’aube de la liberté.
Le temps de la souffrance,
La nuit de l’obscurité
S’éloignent dès aujourd’hui
Pour laisser place à l’unité.
Oh ! Peuple burkinabé,
Le jour de la liberté est arrivé
Chantez l’ardeur de la lutte
Qui a porté nos cœurs à l’assaut
Pour gagner notre droit
De vivre au sein de l’égalité,
Tu as donné tes fils au combat,
Une seule nuit a suffi
Pour que jaillisse la lumière,
Sur nos terres se leva
L’aube de la liberté.
A single night was enough
For light to burst forth,
On our lands rose
The dawn of freedom.
The time of suffering,
The night of darkness
Are now distant
To make room for unity.
Oh! Burkinabé people,
The day of freedom has arrived
Sing the ardor of the struggle
That led our hearts into battle
To win our right
To live within equality,
You have given your sons to the fight,
A single night was enough
For light to burst forth,
On our lands rose
The dawn of freedom.
