Key Facts about Burkina Faso

About Burkina Faso:

• It is a landlocked country in western Africa.
• Borders:  It is bounded by Nigerto the east, Mali to the north and west, and Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Ivory Coast to the south. 
• Capital: Ouagadougou
• Burkina Faso, previously known as Upper Volta, was once part of French West Africa since 1896. It gained independence from France in 1960.
• Geography:
  • It is predominantly characterized by savannahs, plateaus, and low mountains in the southwest.
  • The northern region, known as the Sahel, is arid and desert-like.
• Languages:
  • The official language of Burkina Faso is French, which is used in government and education.
  • There are many indigenous languages spoken throughout the country, with Moore (Mossi) being one of the most widely spoken.
• The economy is largely based on agriculture, which employs over 80% of the workforce.
• Government: It is a republic with a presidential system of government. It has experienced political transitions and changes in leadership over the years.