Burkina Faso
Subregion: Western Africa
Burkina Faso is a country located in Western Africa. The capital city is Ouagadougou. The government is a Unitarian provisional government. There have been recent coups that have caused instability in the government. The official language is French although there are almost 60 native languages spoken within the country. The predominant religion is Islam followed by Christianity. Public healthcare is provided to the population but access to hospitals or clinics are difficult.
Safety:
Burkina Faso has experienced a significant increase in security threats in recent years, particularly in the northern regions bordering Mali and Niger. The security situation in these areas has been deteriorating due to the activities of various extremist groups, including the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). In addition to extremist threats, there is also a risk of armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping, especially in urban areas. The country has also been affected by intercommunal violence, which has led to displacement of populations. The government has implemented a state of emergency in certain regions of the country, including the Sahel, Nord, and Est regions, and has increased security measures in other areas. However, travelers should exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel to areas where the risk of violence is high. Travelers should also be aware of the risk of terrorism, especially in crowded public places, such as markets, transport hubs, and places of worship. They should also be cautious when traveling by road, as banditry and attacks on vehicles have been reported on major roads. It is recommended that travelers stay informed about the current security situation in Burkina Faso and follow the advice of local authorities and their own governments. It is also advisable to avoid displaying signs of wealth or carrying valuable items in public. Burkina Faso has a network of paved roads, but many rural roads are unpaved and can be difficult to navigate, particularly during the rainy season. Additionally, many roads in Burkina Faso are poorly maintained, and there is often a lack of signage and road markings. Travelers should also be aware that road safety standards in Burkina Faso are generally lower than in many developed countries, and accidents are not uncommon. Rural areas have hazards like animal carts, broken down vehicles and livestock in the roads. There is only one single line train within the country.
Cultural Customs:
Greetings are very important in Burkina Faso, and they vary depending on the region and ethnic group. In general, people greet each other with a handshake or by clasping their right hand over their left forearm. They also often use phrases like "bonjour" (hello) and "ça va?" (how are you?). Traditional clothing is still very common in Burkina Faso, especially in rural areas. The most common traditional garment is the boubou, a loose-fitting, colorful robe that is worn by both men and women. Women also often wear a headscarf or wrap called a pagne. Music and dance are an important part of Burkina Faso's culture. There are many different types of music and dance, each associated with different ethnic groups. One popular style is the djembe drumming, which is often accompanied by dancing. The cuisine of Burkina Faso is based on grains, vegetables, and meat. Some of the most popular dishes include rice with sauce, grilled meat, and fufu (a starchy, dough-like food made from cassava or yam). Family is very important in Burkina Faso, and marriages are often arranged by families. Polygamy is still practiced in some parts of the country, and the groom is expected to pay a bride price to the bride's family. The majority of the population in Burkina Faso is Muslim, with smaller Christian and animist communities. Religion plays an important role in daily life, and many customs and traditions are associated with religious practices. The Burkinabe use masks and dancing in traditional rituals for sacrifice and when asking for a blessing from the spirits. Burkina Faso is known for its rich tradition of art and crafts, including wood carving, pottery, and weaving. These crafts are often passed down through families, and many artisans still use traditional techniques. Mossi is spoken by more than half of the Burkinabe people.
Geography & Weather:
The climate in Burkina Faso is tropical and droughts occur often.
In the capital city, Ouagadougou in the center of the country, it is hot all year round. The average temperature ranges from 64 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is August with a median temperature of 81 degrees F and April being the hottest month with a median temperature of 93 degrees F. The rainy season is from May to October when the monsoons come through. August averages the most rain at 8.5 inches for the month. It is sunny year round in this area.
In Bobo-Dioulasso located in the south of the country, the average temperature ranges from 71 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is August with a median temperature of 78 degrees F and March/April are the hottest months with a median temperature of 89 degrees F. May - October is the rainy season with August averaging 10 inches of rain for the month. Total rainfall for the area is 40 inches a year.
Economy:
The economy of Burkina Faso is largely agricultural, with cotton being the country's main cash crop. Other agricultural products include sorghum, millet, maize, rice, and peanuts. Burkina Faso also has significant mineral reserves, including gold, which accounts for a large portion of the country's export earnings. Despite its agricultural and mineral resources, Burkina Faso remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The unemployment rate in Burkina Faso is high, with estimates ranging from 6% to 77% depending on the definition of unemployment used. The youth unemployment rate is particularly high, with around 70% of the population under the age of 30 being unemployed or underemployed. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Burkina Faso's economy, exacerbating existing challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment. In 2020, the country's GDP growth contracted by 1.2% due to the pandemic's effects on global demand and supply chains, as well as reduced tourism and investment. The government has implemented measures to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic, including providing financial support to affected businesses and households and implementing health and safety protocols to support economic activity. To address the issue of unemployment, the Burkina Faso government has launched various initiatives to promote job creation, such as improving the business environment, investing in infrastructure, and supporting entrepreneurship and vocational training programs. The government is also implementing social protection programs to support vulnerable populations, including cash transfer programs, food security programs, and health insurance schemes. However, much remains to be done to tackle the high levels of unemployment and poverty in the country.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
West African CFA Franc (XOF)
BWP 1.00 = USD .0017
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
20,903,273
Median Age:
17.6
Life Expectancy:
62.98
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
5 year multiple entry visa is $140
Additional Notes:
Yellow fever vaccination on WHO Yellow Card is required for entry. The card should be carried with you at all times.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - Burkina Faso citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Must have lived in Burkina Faso for 10 years and 18 years old.
Marriage - May register for citizenship 6 months after marriage
Residency Requirements:
We are unable to locate any information on residency permits for this country.
Resources:
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou
Secteur 53, Ouaga 2000
Avenue Sembène Ousmane, Rue 15.873
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Telephone: +(226) 25-49-53-00
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(226) 25-49-53-00
U.S. Telephone: 1-301-985-8724
Consular Fax: (226) 25-49-56-23
Consular e-mail: consularouaga@state.gov