Burkina Faso is a francophone country; French is an official language of government and business. Formerly called the Republic of Upper Volta, the country was renamed "Burkina Faso" on 4 August 1984 by then-President Thomas Sankara. Its capital is Ouagadougou. In 2014 its Population was estimated at just over 17.3 million.
World Factbook
Languages: The official language of Burkina Faso is French, which is spoken by the majority of the population. French is used in government, education, and the media, and it is the language of instruction in schools. In addition to French, there are also a number of local languages spoken in Burkina Faso, including Bambara, Fula, and Dioula, among others. These languages are spoken by the various ethnic groups that make up the population of Burkina Faso, and they are often used in regional and local government, as well as in the media. Finally, English is also spoken by some people in Burkina Faso, particularly in business and tourism.
Ethnic Groups: Mossi 50.2%, Fulani 9.4%, Bobo 5.9%, Gurma 5.8%, Mande 5.3%, Senufo 4.9%, Gurunsi 4.8%, Lobi 4.7%, Tuareg 2.5%, others 6.5%
Belief Systems: Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10%
Demographics:
Population: 18.6 million people (World Rank: 60th) (2014 estimate)
Population Density: 176 people/mi^2 (People per Square Mile) (World Rank: 143rd) (2014 estimate)
Population Growth: 3.03 %/yr (World Rank: 14th) (2013 estimate)
Life Expectancy: 56.3 years (World Rank: 209th) (2013 estimate)
Median Age: 16.8 years (World Rank: 189th) (2010 estimate)
Sites for More Information:
Map of Burkina Faso
Worldatlas.com
Country Profile for Burkina Faso
United Nations
Burkina Faso
Wikipedia.org
Burkina Faso - General Information
Encyclopedia.com
Culture and Tourism:
Tourism Burkina Faso
All about Burkina Faso as a tourism destination
Burkina Faso Travel Warnings
Cautions when traveling to Burkina Faso
Ouagadougou
One of Africa's most important handicraft fairs
Tiébélé
Mud houses of Burkina Faso
Reserve de Nazinga
Local park/forrest filled with wildlife
Government Related:
Embassy of Burkina Faso
in Washington D.C.
Burkina Faso Government Websites
by Gunnar Anzinger
