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).

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.

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: A 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.