Originally home to the Mossi kingdoms, Burkina Faso was colonized by France in the late 19th century and became part of French West Africa. It gained independence in 1960 under the name Upper Volta, later adopting its current name in 1984 under Thomas Sankara’s leadership. The country has faced political instability and military coups but continues to work toward development. Agriculture remains a key sector, with cotton as its primary export.
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Mali to the northwest, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d'Ivoire to the southwest. Covering an area of approximately 274,223 square kilometers, it has an estimated population of over 22 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Ouagadougou. The official language is French, with indigenous languages such as Mooré, Bissa, Dyula, and Fula also widely spoken. Burkina Faso operates as a unitary republic under a military junta, following recent political upheavals. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop, and mining, particularly gold, which has become a significant export. The country faces challenges such as political instability and security concerns but remains a member of international organizations like the United Nations and the African Union.
