Burkina Faso

Principal Government Officials
President: Blaise Compaore
Prime Minister: Tertius Zongo

Fun Facts

  • It was formerly known as Upper Volta and adopted its current name after it gained its independence from France August 5, 1960.
  • The official language is French since Burkina Faso was colonized by France. Other languages spoken include Mòoré, Gourma, Fulfulde, Dioula, Tamasheq.
  • Burkina Faso has a population of 16.3 million.
  • The Mossi is the largest ethnic group in Burkina Faso.
  • Want to speak a little Mòoré? “Yam Kibaré?” (How are you?) And your response: “Laafi Bala, La Yamba?” (I am fine and you?)
  • Gold is Burkina Faso’s main export, followed by cotton and animal products.
  • About 80% of the population relies on subsistence agriculture.
  • Burkina Faso is home to 60 different ethnic groups, each with their own variety of folk music.
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