Burkina Faso

Official name: Democratic Republic of Burkina Faso
Also known as: Burkĩna Faso (Mossi), Burkina Faso, ߓߙߎߞߌߣߊ߫ ߝߊ߬ߛߏ߫ (Dyula), Burukina Faso, Previously called the Republic of Upper Volta (1958–1984).

Flag of Burkina Faso

Border countries (6): Benin 386 km (240 mi), Ivory Coast 545 km (339 mi), Ghana 602 km (374 mi), Mali 1,325 km (823 mi), Niger 622 km (386 mi), Togo 131 km (81 mi).
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

Political and Administrative System

  • Form of Government: Republic, although the country has experienced periods of political transition.
  • Independence: August 5, 1960 (from France).
  • Administrative Division: 13 regions → 45 provinces → 351 municipalities.
    Regions: Boucle du Mouhoun, Cascades, Centre, Centre-Est, Centre-Nord, Centre-Ouest, Centre-Sud, Est, Hauts-Bassins, Nord, Plateau-Central, Sahel, Sud-Ouest.
Burkina Faso Map

Main Cities in Burkina Faso

  • Ouagadougou: The capital and largest city of the country, known for its lively markets and the African Film Festival (FESPACO).
  • Bobo-Dioulasso: The second-largest city, famous for its old architecture and its large mud-built mosque.
  • Koudougou: An important industrial and educational center, home to the University of Koudougou.
  • Fada N’Gourma: Located in the east, considered the gateway to nature reserves and safari areas.
  • Banfora: One of the most beautiful tourist cities, known for its natural scenery such as the Karfiguéla Falls and Lake Tengrela.
  • Ouahigouya: A northern city known for its traditional culture and vibrant markets.

Main Tourist Attractions

  • Karfiguéla Falls: One of the most beautiful waterfalls in West Africa, located near Banfora.
  • Lake Tengrela: Home to hippos and a great spot for observing wildlife up close.
  • Arly National Park: A large reserve that shelters elephants, lions, and antelopes — an ideal destination for safari lovers.
  • W National Park:UNESCO World Heritage Site shared between Niger, Benin, and Burkina Faso.
  • National Museum of Ouagadougou: Houses collections of traditional arts and handicrafts.
  • Great Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso: A stunning example of traditional Sudano-Sahelian mud-brick architecture.

General and Unique Facts

  • The name "Burkina Faso" means "Land of the Upright People" or "Land of Honorable Men", where "Burkina" means honor and "Faso" means homeland.
  • The country is known for its rich artistic culture and traditional music, especially the balafon style.
  • The capital, Ouagadougou, hosts the Panafrican Film and Television Festival (FESPACO) every two years — the largest in Africa.
  • Although landlocked, Burkina Faso features stunning natural areas with hills, rocks, and waterfalls.
  • Agriculture (mainly cotton, maize, and millet) is the backbone of the national economy.

Natural resources: gold, manganese, zinc, limestone, marble, phosphates, pumice, salt.

Summary: Burkina Faso - Land of the Upright People and the Heart of African Culture
Burkina Faso represents a symbol of patience and dignity embodied in its name, "Land of the Upright People." It is a landlocked country in West Africa, characterized by a Muslim majority (63.8%), and immense cultural and artistic richness, which is manifested in its language (Mooré) and the famous African Film Festival, FESPACO. Its economy relies heavily on agriculture and its abundant gold, making it a vital center for culture and heritage in the African continent.
Keywords: Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, Land of the Upright People, Mooré, Mossi, FESPACO, West Africa, Gold, Niger, Mali
Related Topics: Mali | Niger | Ivory Coast | Ghana
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عبدالرحيم حسن محمد عبدالله  
سلام عليكم ورحمة الله تعالى وبركاته بوركينا فاسو هي من أعظم الدول أفريقيا في الوقت الحالي هي الدولة متماسكة الشعوب لبعض

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