Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Current President Blaise COMPAORE came to power in a 1987 military coup and has won every election since then. Burkina Faso's high population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabe farm workers to find employment in neighboring countries.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 14,326,203 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Burkinabe (singular and plural)

Nationality (Adjective): Burkinabe

Official Language(s): French

Major Languages Spoken: Bambara, French, Zarma

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): none

Country Name (short form): Burkina Faso

Country Name (local long form): none

Country Name (local short form): Burkina Faso

Name of Capital: Ouagadougou

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Burkina Faso: Togo, Mali, Niger, Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana

Land Area: 273800 sq km

Water Area: 400 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly larger than Colorado

Total Land Boundry: 3,193 km

National Holiday: Republic Day, 11 December (1958)

International Phone Code: 226

Currency Code: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF)

Internet Country Code: .bf

US Embassy Location: 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau, Koulouba, Secteur 4

US Embassy Mailing Address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou 01; pouch mail - US Department of State, 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC 20521-2440