Burkina Faso - BF - BFA - BUR - Africa
Last updated: March 18, 2025
Burkina Faso Images
Lush, colorful Flamboyant trees in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Photo courtesy of NASA / Rebekke Muench.
Lush, colorful Flamboyant trees in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Photo courtesy of NASA / Rebekke Muench.
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Special Notes
Burkina Faso Factbook Data
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Joann M. LOCKARD (since 28 June 2024)
embassy: Secteur 15, Ouaga 2000, Avenue Sembene Ousmane, Rue 15.873, Ouagadougou
mailing address: 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC 20521-2440
telephone: (226) 25-49-53-00
FAX: (226) 25-49-56-23
email address and website:
AmembOuaga@state.gov
https://bf.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Secteur 15, Ouaga 2000, Avenue Sembene Ousmane, Rue 15.873, Ouagadougou
mailing address: 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC 20521-2440
telephone: (226) 25-49-53-00
FAX: (226) 25-49-56-23
email address and website:
AmembOuaga@state.gov
https://bf.usembassy.gov/
Age structure
0-14 years: 41.6% (male 4,868,488/female 4,727,316)
15-64 years: 55.1% (male 6,116,674/female 6,590,775)
65 years and over: 3.2% (2024 est.) (male 312,587/female 426,359)
15-64 years: 55.1% (male 6,116,674/female 6,590,775)
65 years and over: 3.2% (2024 est.) (male 312,587/female 426,359)
This is the population pyramid for Burkina Faso. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
13 00 N, 2 00 W
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Natural hazards
recurring droughts
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Colorado
Military service age and obligation
18-26 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; citizens 18-77 years of age are eligible to volunteer for the VDP (2023)
note: the military government implemented an emergency law in 2023 that allows the president extensive powers to combat terrorist groups operating in the country, including conscripting citizens into the security services
note: the military government implemented an emergency law in 2023 that allows the president extensive powers to combat terrorist groups operating in the country, including conscripting citizens into the security services
Background
Many of Burkina Faso’s ethnic groups arrived in the region between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Gurma and Mossi peoples established several of the largest kingdoms in the area and used horse-mounted warriors in military campaigns. Of the various Mossi kingdoms, the most powerful were Ouagadougou and Yatenga. In the late 19th century, European states competed for control of the region. France eventually conquered the area and established it as a French protectorate.
The country achieved independence from France in 1960 and changed its name to Burkina Faso in 1984. Repeated military coups were common in the country’s first few decades. In 1987 Blaise COMPAORE deposed the president, established a government, and ruled for 27 years. In 2014, COMPAORE resigned after protests against his repeated efforts to amend the constitution's two-term presidential limit. An interim administration led a year-long transition, organizing presidential and legislative elections. In 2015, Roch Marc Christian KABORE was elected president, and he was reelected in 2020. In 2022, the military conducted two takeovers: In January, army colonel Paul Henri DAMIBA overthrew KABORE in a coup d'etat, and then in September, army captain Ibrahim TRAORE deposed DAMIBA and declared himself transition president. The transition government planned to hold elections by July 2024, but they may be delayed due to security concerns.Terrorist groups -- including groups affiliated with Al-Qa’ida and the Islamic State -- began attacks in the country in 2016 and conducted attacks in the capital in 2016, 2017, and 2018. By early 2023, insecurity in Burkina Faso had displaced more than 2 million people and led to significant jumps in humanitarian needs and food insecurity. In addition to terrorism, the country faces a myriad of problems including high population growth, recurring drought, pervasive and perennial food insecurity, and limited natural resources. It is one of the world’s poorest countries.
Environment - current issues
recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation (2019)
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban
signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban
Population below poverty line
43.2% (2021 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 30.2% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
highest 10%: 30.2% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
gold, cotton, oil seeds, coconuts/brazil nuts/cashews, cement (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Switzerland 72%, UAE 10%, India 3%, Mali 3%, Cote d'Ivoire 2% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Administrative divisions
13 regions; Boucle du Mouhoun, Cascades, Centre, Centre-Est, Centre-Nord, Centre-Ouest, Centre-Sud, Est, Hauts-Bassins, Nord, Plateau-Central, Sahel, Sud-Ouest
Agricultural products
maize, sorghum, fruits, vegetables, millet, cowpeas, cotton, groundnuts, sugarcane, rice (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of Burkina Faso (FABF; aka National Armed Forces (FAN), aka Defense and Security Forces (Forces de Défense et de Sécurité or FDS)): Army of Burkina Faso (L’Armee de Terre, LAT), Air Force of Burkina Faso (Force Aerienne de Burkina Faso), National Gendarmerie, National Fire Brigade (Brigade Nationale de Sapeurs-Pompiers or BNSP); Homeland Defense Volunteers (Forcés de Volontaires de Défense pour la Patrie or VDP)
Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Security (Ministère de l'Administration Territoriale, de la Décentralisation et de la Sécurité): National Police (2024)
note 1: the National Gendarmerie officially reports to the Ministry of Defense, but usually operates in support of the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization, and Security; the Gendarmerie's primary mission is counterterrorism; it is comprised of “legions” and mobile squadrons, including a Special Legion for combating organized crime and terrorism and providing security for high-level officials and government institutions; other government forces specializing in counterterrorism include the Army's Special Forces and the Multipurpose Intervention Unit of the National Police
note 2: the VDP is a lightly-armed civilian defense/militia force established in 2019 to act as auxiliaries to the Army; the volunteers receive two weeks of training and typically assist with carrying out surveillance, information-gathering, and escort duties, as well as local defense, and were to be based in each of the country's more than 300 municipalities; in 2022, the military government created a "Patriotic Watch and Defense Brigade" (La Brigade de Veille et de Défense Patriotique or BVDP) under the FABF to coordinate the VDP recruits
Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Security (Ministère de l'Administration Territoriale, de la Décentralisation et de la Sécurité): National Police (2024)
note 1: the National Gendarmerie officially reports to the Ministry of Defense, but usually operates in support of the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization, and Security; the Gendarmerie's primary mission is counterterrorism; it is comprised of “legions” and mobile squadrons, including a Special Legion for combating organized crime and terrorism and providing security for high-level officials and government institutions; other government forces specializing in counterterrorism include the Army's Special Forces and the Multipurpose Intervention Unit of the National Police
note 2: the VDP is a lightly-armed civilian defense/militia force established in 2019 to act as auxiliaries to the Army; the volunteers receive two weeks of training and typically assist with carrying out surveillance, information-gathering, and escort duties, as well as local defense, and were to be based in each of the country's more than 300 municipalities; in 2022, the military government created a "Patriotic Watch and Defense Brigade" (La Brigade de Veille et de Défense Patriotique or BVDP) under the FABF to coordinate the VDP recruits
Budget
revenues: $4.649 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $4.018 billion (2022 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
expenditures: $4.018 billion (2022 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Capital
name: Ouagadougou
geographic coordinates: 12 22 N, 1 31 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: Ouagadougou is a Francophone spelling of the native name "Wogodogo," which may come from the personal name "Waga" or "Woga" and the Dyula word "dugu," meaning "village"
geographic coordinates: 12 22 N, 1 31 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: Ouagadougou is a Francophone spelling of the native name "Wogodogo," which may come from the personal name "Waga" or "Woga" and the Dyula word "dugu," meaning "village"
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, plastic products, cement, electricity, packaged medicine (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Climate
three climate zones including a hot tropical savanna with a short rainy season in the southern half, a tropical hot semi-arid steppe climate typical of the Sahel region in the northern half, and small area of hot desert in the very north of the country bordering the Sahara Desert
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Constitution
history: several previous; latest approved by referendum 2 June 1991, adopted 11 June 1991, temporarily suspended late October to mid-November 2014; initial draft of a new constitution to usher in the new republic was completed in January 2017 and a final draft was submitted to the government in December 2017; a constitutional referendum originally scheduled for adoption in March 2019 was postponed; on 1 March 2022 a transition charter was adopted, allowing military authorities to rule for three years and barring the transitional president from being an electoral candidate after the transition
amendment process: proposed by the president, by a majority of National Assembly membership, or by petition of at least 30,000 eligible voters submitted to the Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote in the Assembly; failure to meet that threshold requires majority voter approval in a referendum; constitutional provisions on the form of government, the multiparty system, and national sovereignty cannot be amended
amendment process: proposed by the president, by a majority of National Assembly membership, or by petition of at least 30,000 eligible voters submitted to the Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote in the Assembly; failure to meet that threshold requires majority voter approval in a referendum; constitutional provisions on the form of government, the multiparty system, and national sovereignty cannot be amended
Exchange rates
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
606.57 (2023 est.)
623.76 (2022 est.)
554.531 (2021 est.)
575.586 (2020 est.)
585.911 (2019 est.)
Exchange rates:
606.57 (2023 est.)
623.76 (2022 est.)
554.531 (2021 est.)
575.586 (2020 est.)
585.911 (2019 est.)
Executive branch
chief of state: Transitional President Capt. Ibrahim TRAORE (since 30 September 2022)
head of government: Prime Minister Joachim KYLEM DE TAMBELA (since 21 October 2022)
cabinet: prior to the 2022 coups and adhoc suspension of laws and constitutional provisions, Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
elections/appointments: prior to the 2022 coups and adhoc suspension of laws and constitutional provisions, president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last held on 22 November 2020 (next were to be held by July 2024, but may be delayed by the transitional government due to security concerns); prime minister appointed by the president with consent of the National Assembly
election results:
2020: Roch Marc Christian KABORE reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Roch Marc Christian KABORE (MPP) 57.9%, Eddie KOMBOIGO (CDP) 15.5%, Zephirin DIABRE (UPC) 12.5%, other 14.1%
2015: Roch Marc Christian KABORE elected president in first round; percent of vote - Roch Marc Christian KABORE (MPP) 53.5%, Zephirin DIABRE (UPC) 29.6%, Tahirou BARRY (PAREN) 3.1%, Benewende Stanislas SANKARA (UNIR-MS) 2.8%, other 10.9%
note - on 30 September 2022, a military junta, led by TRAORE, took power and ousted Transition President Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo DAMIBA and took over as head of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration
note - Transitional President TRAORE appointed KYLEM DE TAMBELA Prime Minister on 21 October 2022; the position had been vacant since 30 September 2022 when the military ousted former Prime Minister Albert OUEDRAOGO
head of government: Prime Minister Joachim KYLEM DE TAMBELA (since 21 October 2022)
cabinet: prior to the 2022 coups and adhoc suspension of laws and constitutional provisions, Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
elections/appointments: prior to the 2022 coups and adhoc suspension of laws and constitutional provisions, president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last held on 22 November 2020 (next were to be held by July 2024, but may be delayed by the transitional government due to security concerns); prime minister appointed by the president with consent of the National Assembly
election results:
2020: Roch Marc Christian KABORE reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Roch Marc Christian KABORE (MPP) 57.9%, Eddie KOMBOIGO (CDP) 15.5%, Zephirin DIABRE (UPC) 12.5%, other 14.1%
2015: Roch Marc Christian KABORE elected president in first round; percent of vote - Roch Marc Christian KABORE (MPP) 53.5%, Zephirin DIABRE (UPC) 29.6%, Tahirou BARRY (PAREN) 3.1%, Benewende Stanislas SANKARA (UNIR-MS) 2.8%, other 10.9%
note - on 30 September 2022, a military junta, led by TRAORE, took power and ousted Transition President Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo DAMIBA and took over as head of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration
note - Transitional President TRAORE appointed KYLEM DE TAMBELA Prime Minister on 21 October 2022; the position had been vacant since 30 September 2022 when the military ousted former Prime Minister Albert OUEDRAOGO
Flag description
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; red recalls the country's struggle for independence, green is for hope and abundance, and yellow represents the country's mineral wealth
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Independence
5 August 1960 (from France)
Industries
cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (consists of NA judges); Council of State (consists of NA judges); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel (consists of the council president and 9 members)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judge appointments mostly controlled by the president of Burkina Faso; judges have no term limits; Council of State judge appointment and tenure NA; Constitutional Council judges appointed by the president of Burkina Faso after a proposal from the minister of justice and the president of the National Assembly; judges appointed for 9-year terms with one-third of membership renewed every 3 years
subordinate courts: Appeals Court; High Court; first instance tribunals; district courts; specialized courts relating to issues of labor, children, and juveniles; village (customary) courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judge appointments mostly controlled by the president of Burkina Faso; judges have no term limits; Council of State judge appointment and tenure NA; Constitutional Council judges appointed by the president of Burkina Faso after a proposal from the minister of justice and the president of the National Assembly; judges appointed for 9-year terms with one-third of membership renewed every 3 years
subordinate courts: Appeals Court; High Court; first instance tribunals; district courts; specialized courts relating to issues of labor, children, and juveniles; village (customary) courts
Land boundaries
total: 3,611 km
border countries (6): Benin 386 km; Cote d'Ivoire 545 km; Ghana 602 km; Mali 1325 km; Niger 622 km; Togo 131 km
border countries (6): Benin 386 km; Cote d'Ivoire 545 km; Ghana 602 km; Mali 1325 km; Niger 622 km; Togo 131 km
Land use
agricultural land: 53.2% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: 28.9% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: 2.4% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: 21.9% (2022 est.)
forest: 22.4% (2022 est.)
other: 24.4% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: 28.9% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: 2.4% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: 21.9% (2022 est.)
forest: 22.4% (2022 est.)
other: 24.4% (2022 est.)
Legal system
civil law based on the French model and customary law; in mid-2019, the National Assembly amended the penal code
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament (Parlement)
legislative structure: unicameral
chamber name: Transitional Legislative Assembly (Assemblée législative de la transition)
number of seats: 71
electoral system: proportional representation
most recent election date: 11/11/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 18.3%
expected date of next election: June 2029
note: a series of coups in 2022 led to the ad hoc suspension of laws and constitutional provisions, including the unicameral National Assembly; a military junta in 2022 appointed the 71-member Transnational Legislative Assembly (ALT); a Transitional Charter, adopted in October 2022, provided for a transitional period that was extended in May 2024 until July 2029
legislative structure: unicameral
chamber name: Transitional Legislative Assembly (Assemblée législative de la transition)
number of seats: 71
electoral system: proportional representation
most recent election date: 11/11/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 18.3%
expected date of next election: June 2029
note: a series of coups in 2022 led to the ad hoc suspension of laws and constitutional provisions, including the unicameral National Assembly; a military junta in 2022 appointed the 71-member Transnational Legislative Assembly (ALT); a Transitional Charter, adopted in October 2022, provided for a transitional period that was extended in May 2024 until July 2029
Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 46%
male: 54.5%
female: 37.8% (2021)
total population: 46%
male: 54.5%
female: 37.8% (2021)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU (suspended), CD, EITI (compliant country), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSCA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Republic Day, 11 December (1958); note - commemorates the day that Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French Community
Nationality
noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural)
adjective: Burkinabe
adjective: Burkinabe
Natural resources
gold, manganese, zinc, limestone, marble, phosphates, pumice, salt
Geography - note
landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of the Black, Red, and White Voltas
Economic overview
highly agrarian, low-income economy; limited natural resources; widespread poverty; terrorism disrupting potential economic activity; improving trade balance via increases in gold exports; economy inflating after prior deflation; growing public debt but still manageable
Political parties
Act Together
African Democratic Rally/Alliance for Democracy and Federation or ADF/RDA
Congress for Democracy and Progress or CDP
Convergence for Progress and Solidarity-Generation 3 or CPS-G3
Movement for the Future Burkina Faso or MBF
National Convention for Progress or CNP
New Era for Democracy or NTD
Pan-African Alliance for Refoundation or APR
Party for Democracy and Socialism/Metba or PDS/Metba
Party for Development and Change or PDC
Patriotic Rally for Integrity or RPI
Peoples Movement for Progress or MPP
Progressives United for Renewal or PUR
Union for Progress and Reform or UPC
Union for Rebirth - Sankarist Party or UNIR-PS
African Democratic Rally/Alliance for Democracy and Federation or ADF/RDA
Congress for Democracy and Progress or CDP
Convergence for Progress and Solidarity-Generation 3 or CPS-G3
Movement for the Future Burkina Faso or MBF
National Convention for Progress or CNP
New Era for Democracy or NTD
Pan-African Alliance for Refoundation or APR
Party for Democracy and Socialism/Metba or PDS/Metba
Party for Development and Change or PDC
Patriotic Rally for Integrity or RPI
Peoples Movement for Progress or MPP
Progressives United for Renewal or PUR
Union for Progress and Reform or UPC
Union for Rebirth - Sankarist Party or UNIR-PS
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Telecommunication systems
general assessment: Burkina Faso’s telecom sector in recent years has made some gains in providing the necessary infrastructure and bandwidth to support telecom services; an IXP completed in September 2020 increased international bandwidth capacity by a third, while in mid-2021 the government was able to start the second phase of a national fiber backbone project; this will link the capital city to an addition 145 municipalities, and provide additional connectivity to terrestrial cables in neighboring countries; the activities of the militants in side areas of the country jeopardize overall security, and render it difficult for the telcos to safeguard their networks and equipment; Burkina Faso joins G5 Sahel countries to eliminate roaming fees (2022)
domestic: fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage nearly 112 per 100, with multiple providers there is competition and the hope for growth from a low base; Internet penetration is 16% (2021)
international: country code - 226; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
domestic: fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage nearly 112 per 100, with multiple providers there is competition and the hope for growth from a low base; Internet penetration is 16% (2021)
international: country code - 226; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Terrain
mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in the west and southeast; occupies an extensive plateau with savanna that is grassy in the north and gradually gives way to sparse forests in the south
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Burkina Faso
local long form: none
local short form: Burkina Faso
former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta
etymology: name translates as "Land of the Honest (Incorruptible) Men"
conventional short form: Burkina Faso
local long form: none
local short form: Burkina Faso
former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta
etymology: name translates as "Land of the Honest (Incorruptible) Men"
Location
Western Africa, north of Ghana
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
550 sq km (2016)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Edouard BOUDA (since 1 February 2024)
chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577
FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882
email address and website:
contact@burkina-usa.org
https://burkina-usa.org/
chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577
FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882
email address and website:
contact@burkina-usa.org
https://burkina-usa.org/
Internet users
percent of population: 20% (2022 est.)
Internet country code
.bf
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees (country of origin): 36,372 (Mali) (2023)
IDPs:
IDPs:
2,062,534 (2023)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$20.325 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch list — Burkina Faso did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period and was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/burkina-faso/
Credit ratings
Standard & Poors rating: B (2017)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Total renewable water resources
13.5 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 9 years
male: 9 years
female: 9 years (2020)
male: 9 years
female: 9 years (2020)
Urbanization
urban population: 32.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 4.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 4.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
since the official inauguration of Terrestrial Digital Television (TNT) in December 2017, Burkina Faso now has 14 digital TV channels among which 2 are state-owned; there are more than 140 radio stations (commercial, religious, community) available throughout the country including a national and regional state-owned network; the state-owned Radio Burkina and the private Radio Omega are among the most widespread stations and both include broadcasts in French and local languages (2019)
Drinking water source
improved: urban: 94.7% of population
rural: 71.3% of population
total: 78.5% of population
unimproved: urban: 5.3% of population
rural: 28.7% of population
total: 21.5% of population (2020 est.)
rural: 71.3% of population
total: 78.5% of population
unimproved: urban: 5.3% of population
rural: 28.7% of population
total: 21.5% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
name: "Le Ditanye" (Anthem of Victory)
lyrics/music: Thomas SANKARA
note: adopted 1974; also known as "Une Seule Nuit" (One Single Night); written by the country's former president, an avid guitar player
lyrics/music: Thomas SANKARA
note: adopted 1974; also known as "Une Seule Nuit" (One Single Night); written by the country's former president, an avid guitar player
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Burkina Faso. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
3.204 million OUAGADOUGOU (capital), 1.129 million Bobo-Dioulasso (2023)
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Physician density
0.09 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Hospital bed density
0.4 beds/1,000 population
National symbol(s)
white stallion; national colors: red, yellow, green
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.1 years (2021 est.)
note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Demographic profile
Burkina Faso has a young age structure – the result of declining mortality combined with steady high fertility – and continues to experience rapid population growth, which is putting increasing pressure on the country’s limited arable land. Almost 65% of the population is under the age of 25 as of 2020, and the population is growing at 2.5% annually. Mortality rates, especially those of infants and children, have decreased because of improved health care, hygiene, and sanitation, but women continue to have an average of more than 4 children. Even if fertility were substantially reduced, today’s large cohort entering their reproductive years would sustain high population growth for the foreseeable future. Only about a third of the population is literate and unemployment is widespread, dampening the economic prospects of Burkina Faso’s large working-age population.
Migration has traditionally been a way of life for Burkinabe, with seasonal migration being replaced by stints of up to two years abroad. Cote d’Ivoire remains the top destination, although it has experienced periods of internal conflict. Under French colonization, Burkina Faso became a main labor source for agricultural and factory work in Cote d’Ivoire. Burkinabe also migrated to Ghana, Mali, and Senegal for work between the world wars. Burkina Faso attracts migrants from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Mali, who often share common ethnic backgrounds with the Burkinabe. Despite its food shortages and high poverty rate, Burkina Faso has become a destination for refugees in recent years and hosts about 33,600 Malian refugees as of October 2022.
(2018)Contraceptive prevalence rate
35.3% (2020/21 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 64.6% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 20% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 17.2% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 5.4% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 28.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -36% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
government consumption: 20% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 17.2% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 5.4% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 28.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -36% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 87.4
youth dependency ratio: 82.6
elderly dependency ratio: 4.8
potential support ratio: 20.9 (2021 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 82.6
elderly dependency ratio: 4.8
potential support ratio: 20.9 (2021 est.)
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Burkina Faso
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Burkina Faso
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Population distribution
Most of the population is located in the center and south. Nearly one-third of the population lives in cities. The capital and largest city is Ouagadougou (Ouaga), with a population of 1.8 million as shown in this population distribution map
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 19.5% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 60.5%
electrification - rural areas: 3.4%
electrification - urban areas: 60.5%
electrification - rural areas: 3.4%
National air transport system
number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 151,531 (2018)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 100,000 (2018) mt-km
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 151,531 (2018)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 100,000 (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
XT
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: 90.8% of population
rural: 37.7% of population
total: 54% of population
unimproved: urban: 9.2% of population
rural: 62.3% of population
total: 46% of population (2020 est.)
rural: 37.7% of population
total: 54% of population
unimproved: urban: 9.2% of population
rural: 62.3% of population
total: 46% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
Mossi 53.7%, Fulani (Peuhl) 6.8%, Gurunsi 5.9%, Bissa 5.4%, Gurma 5.2%, Bobo 3.4%, Senufo 2.2%, Bissa 1.5%, Lobi 1.5%, Tuareg/Bella 0.1%, other 12.8%, foreign 0.7% (2021 est.)
Religions
Muslim 63.8%, Roman Catholic 20.1%, Animiste 9%, Protestant 6.2%, other 0.2%, none 0.7% (2019 est.)
Languages
Mossi 52.9%, Fula 7.8%, Gourmantche 6.8%, Dyula 5.7%, Bissa 3.3%, Gurunsi 3.2%, French (official) 2.2%, Bwamu 2%, Dagara 2%, San 1.7%, Marka 1.6%, Bobo 1.5%, Senufo 1.5%, Lobi 1.2%, other 6.6% (2019 est.)
Imports - partners
Cote d'Ivoire 14%, China 13%, Ghana 9%, Russia 9%, France 7% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Elevation
highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m
lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m
mean elevation: 297 m
lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m
mean elevation: 297 m
Current health expenditure
6.4% of GDP (2021)
Military - note
the FABF has a history of interference in the country’s politics, having conducted eight coups since its formation in 1960-61, including the most recent in September 2022; several combat units were disbanded in 2011 following mutinies; while the FABF is responsible for external defense, it has an internal security role and can be called out to assist internal security forces in restoring public order, combating crime, securing the border, and counterterrorism; indeed, for more than a decade, its focus has largely been internal counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, and it is actively engaged in combat operations against terrorist groups affiliated with al-Qa'ida and the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS), particularly in the northern and eastern regions
in the north, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition of al-Qa'ida linked militant groups that act as al-Qa'ida in the Land of the Islamic Magreb's (AQIM) arm in the Sahel, has exploited ethnic tensions and perceptions of state neglect, as well as grievances over corruption, patronage politics, social stratification, and land disputes; in 2024, JNIM was active in nearly all of the country's 13 provinces; the ISIS-Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS) terrorist group operates in the eastern part of the country (2024)
in the north, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition of al-Qa'ida linked militant groups that act as al-Qa'ida in the Land of the Islamic Magreb's (AQIM) arm in the Sahel, has exploited ethnic tensions and perceptions of state neglect, as well as grievances over corruption, patronage politics, social stratification, and land disputes; in 2024, JNIM was active in nearly all of the country's 13 provinces; the ISIS-Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS) terrorist group operates in the eastern part of the country (2024)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 15-20,000 Armed Forces personnel; approximately 50,000 Homeland Defense Volunteers (2024)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the FABF has a mix of older, secondhand, and some modern equipment from a variety of suppliers, including China, Egypt, France, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, and the US (2024)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Ansarul Islam; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham in the Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS); al-Mulathamun Battalion (al-Mourabitoun); Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Food insecurity
severe localized food insecurity: due to civil insecurity in the north and high food prices - according to the latest analysis, about 3.53 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity during the June to August 2023 lean season period; this would be a slight increase compared to the preceding year; food insecurity is primarily underpinned by worsening insecurity in Centre-Nord and Sahel regions, which, as of December 2022 (the latest data available), had displaced about 1.88 million people; high food prices further aggravate conditions of the most vulnerable households (2023)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 380 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 20 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 420 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 20 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 420 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 2,575,251 tons (2015 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 309,030 tons (2005 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12% (2005 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 309,030 tons (2005 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12% (2005 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 40.74 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 3.42 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 12.85 megatons (2020 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 3.42 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 12.85 megatons (2020 est.)
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales:
selected World Heritage Site locales:
Ruins of Loropéni (c); Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso (c); W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (n); Royal Court of Tiébélé (c)
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Volta river source (shared with Ghana [m]) - 1,600 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Coal
exports: (2022 est.) less than 1 metric ton
imports: 3 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports: 3 metric tons (2022 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 68.4% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
solar: 16% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
hydroelectricity: 15.4% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
solar: 16% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
hydroelectricity: 15.4% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 36,000 bbl/day (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.98 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
73.5% (2023)
Remittances
2.85% of GDP (2023 est.)
2.78% of GDP (2022 est.)
2.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
2.78% of GDP (2022 est.)
2.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
8.633 million (2023 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 8% (2023 est.)
male: 7.6% (2023 est.)
female: 8.5% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
male: 7.6% (2023 est.)
female: 8.5% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 18.7 years (2024 est.)
male: 17.9 years
female: 19.5 years
male: 17.9 years
female: 19.5 years
Debt - external
$3.977 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Maternal mortality ratio
264 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$49 million (31 December 2017 est.)
$50.9 million (31 December 2016 est.)
$50.9 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Public debt
62.53% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Total fertility rate
4.02 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Military expenditures
4% of GDP (2023 est.)
2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
2.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
2.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
2.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
2.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
Unemployment rate
5.29% (2023 est.)
5.35% (2022 est.)
5.11% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
5.35% (2022 est.)
5.11% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Population
total: 23,042,199
male: 11,297,749
female: 11,744,450 (2024 est.)
male: 11,297,749
female: 11,744,450 (2024 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
4.989 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.989 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.989 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
Area
total : 274,200 sq km
land: 273,800 sq km
water: 400 sq km
land: 273,800 sq km
water: 400 sq km
Taxes and other revenues
17.67% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$57.152 billion (2023 est.)
$55.508 billion (2022 est.)
$54.69 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$55.508 billion (2022 est.)
$54.69 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Roadways
total: 15,304 km (2017)
paved: 3,642 km (2014)
unpaved: 11,662 km (2014)
paved: 3,642 km (2014)
unpaved: 11,662 km (2014)
Airports
49 (2024)
Infant mortality rate
total: 47 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 51.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 51.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 24.7 million (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 112 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 112 (2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
37.4 (2021 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
0.74% (2023 est.)
14.29% (2022 est.)
3.65% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
14.29% (2022 est.)
3.65% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$1.404 billion (2022 est.)
$77.255 million (2021 est.)
$743.232 million (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$77.255 million (2021 est.)
$743.232 million (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$2,500 (2023 est.)
$2,500 (2022 est.)
$2,500 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$2,500 (2022 est.)
$2,500 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 15,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Tobacco use
total: 14.3% (2020 est.)
male: 22.1% (2020 est.)
female: 6.4% (2020 est.)
male: 22.1% (2020 est.)
female: 6.4% (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.6% (2016)
Energy consumption per capita
3.419 million Btu/person (2022 est.)
Death rate
7.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
31.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 449,000 kW (2022 est.)
consumption: 2.11 billion kWh (2022 est.)
imports: 1.546 billion kWh (2022 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 218.033 million kWh (2022 est.)
consumption: 2.11 billion kWh (2022 est.)
imports: 1.546 billion kWh (2022 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 218.033 million kWh (2022 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
17.5% (2021)
Imports
$6.761 billion (2022 est.)
$5.835 billion (2021 est.)
$4.779 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$5.835 billion (2021 est.)
$4.779 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$5.814 billion (2022 est.)
$6.234 billion (2021 est.)
$5.356 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$6.234 billion (2021 est.)
$5.356 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 81,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 7.28 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 5.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 5.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 64.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 62.3 years
female: 66.1 years
male: 62.3 years
female: 66.1 years
Real GDP growth rate
2.96% (2023 est.)
1.5% (2022 est.)
6.94% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
1.5% (2022 est.)
6.94% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
5.29% (2023 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Railways
total: 622 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 622 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
note: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote d'Ivoire
narrow gauge: 622 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
note: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote d'Ivoire
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 16.3% (2023 est.)
industry: 29.3% (2023 est.)
services: 43.6% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
industry: 29.3% (2023 est.)
services: 43.6% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Revenue from forest resources
4.54% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal
0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Education expenditures
5.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Population growth rate
2.4% (2024 est.)