Burkina Faso

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region –landlocked country in western Africa.
• Currency symbol of Burkina Faso –CFA franc is the currency and it symbol is XOF
• Capital City – Ouagadougo
• Official languages –French is Burkina Faso’s official language and Mossi is the most widely spoken language of Burkina Faso.
• Population – 20,903,273 (2020)
• Country dialling code  –  (+226)
• Official website –Burkina Faso
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Agriculture, Mining and crude Petroleum.
• Google Maps link –Burkina Faso
• Where is it? –Burkina Faso is bounded by Mali to the north and west, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast, and Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo to the south.

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Burkina Faso In Pictures

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Burkina Faso History

• How did the country get its first name? -Originally called Haute Volta or Upper Volta, the name was given by the French. Upper Volta was named for the region above the Volta river flowing in the area; the people of that country/area where thus known as the ‘Voltaics’.
• How did the country get its current name? -On 4 August 1984, Thomas Sankara decided to change the country’s name to Burkina Faso. He chose two names after two main languages of the country: the Moore (or Mossi language) and the Dioula.  Burkina from Mòoré means ‘men of integrity’, while Faso in Diouala means ‘fatherland’.  Thus the Burkina Faso is ‘the land of upright people‘ or ‘the land of honest people’.
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – The Proto-Mossi arrived in the far Eastern part of what is today Burkina Faso sometime between the 8th and 11th centuries, followed by the Samo around the 15th century.
• Who were the first Inhabitants? -By about AD 1100 the principal inhabitants of the western part of present-day Burkina Faso were the Bobo, Lobi, and Gurunsi. Invaders from present-day Ghana conquered central and Burkina Faso, establishing the Mossi states of Ouagadougou. The conquerors were far outnumbered by their subjects, but by using religion and a complex administrative system they created powerful states that endured for more than 500 years. 
• When it was first recognized as a country? – It gained independence as Upper Volta 5 August 1960. The name Burkina Faso, which means “Land of Incorruptible People,” was adopted in 1984. 
• Who was the first leader of the country? -The Republic of Upper Volta declared independence on 5 August 1960. The first president, Maurice Yaméogo, was the leader of the Voltaic Democratic Union (UDV). 

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Five significant events

1. 1896 Burkina Faso under French: Burkina Faso become a French protectorate. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13072857)
2. 1958 Autonomy from France: Upper Volta (now Bourkina Faso) gains autonomy from France. (https://www.onthisday.com/countries/burkina-faso)
3. 1960 Independence: Upper Volta becomes independent with Maurice Yameogo as president.(https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13072857)
4. 1984 Upper Volte to Burkina Faso: Republic of Upper Volta becomes Burkina Faso (National Day)
5. 2000 Agreement to UN: Government agrees to set up UN-run body to monitor weapons imports after allegations that it has been involved in smuggling arms to rebels in Sierra Leone and Angola. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13072857)

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Five Places to Visit in Burkina Faso

1. Ouagadougou: The architecture here is far from inspiring and the sights will leave you underwhelmed (except for the impressive Roman Catholic cathedral) but the city is a true hive of performing arts inspiration. (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293769-Ouagadougou_Centre_Region-Vacations.html)
2. Bobo-Dioulasso: Bobo, is the second largest city in Burkina Faso. Despite its size, the city has a laid back and exclusive feel which makes it a favourite resting spot for travellers from all backgrounds and with all budgets. (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g317056-Bobo_Dioulasso_Hauts_Bassins-Vacations.html)
3. Banfora: The town is not much of a draw for tourists in itself but the location is perfect; the nearby attractions include Tengrela Lake, which is a great place to spot hippos, especially in the dry season, and the Karfiguela Waterfalls which make for a great hiking or picnic spot. (http://westafricatravelguide.com/banfora-burkina-faso/)
4. Gorom Gorom: The main reason to visit the town is without question the market. Each Thursday, traders from all over the country travel to sell their wares at this impressive market. It is a great place for souvenir shopping with items ranging from jewelery to handcrafted leather items. (https://www.expedia.com/Gorom-Gorom.dx3853)
5. Tiebele: Tiebele is a small village located right next to Burkina Faso’s border with Ghana. The Kassena people of Africa, one of the oldest ethnic groups of the country, originate from this village and as such there are a great number of traditional mud huts and other architecture all of which are beautifully decorated. (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g482836-Tiebele_Centre_Sud_Region-Vacations.html)

References: 

• https://www.britannica.com/place/Burkina-Faso
• https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-currency-of-burkina-faso.html
• https://www.worldometers.info/demographics/burkina-faso-demographics/
• https://www.howtocallabroad.com/burkina-faso/
• https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-the-biggest-industries-in-burkina-faso.html
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Burkina-Faso
• https://afrolegends.com/2013/09/12/why-the-name-burkina-faso/
• https://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/places/africa/burkina-faso/burkina-faso/history