Burkina Faso is a landlocked sovereign state in West Africa, bordered by Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast. The country covers 274,223 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 23 million, with Ouagadougou as its capital.
Known as the Republic of Upper Volta from independence in 1960 until 1984, the country was renamed by president Thomas Sankara. The Mossi people, who settled the region between the 11th and 13th centuries and established kingdoms including Ouagadougou and Yatenga, remain the largest ethnic group. France colonised the territory in 1896 as part of French West Africa. Since independence, Burkina Faso has experienced repeated political instability, with successful coups in 1966, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987 and twice in 2022. The country remains among the least developed globally. Its population is predominantly Muslim (63.8 per cent) and Christian (26.3 per cent). More than 60 indigenous languages are spoken; Mooré, Dyula and Fula hold official status, with Mooré spoken by over half the population. French served as the government and business language until January 2024, when it was demoted to a working language alongside English. The territory contains biodiverse landscapes and reserves of gold, manganese, copper and limestone.
