Burkina Faso, known for its rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit, is a landlocked country located in West Africa. Despite its challenges, Burkina Faso remains a vibrant nation with a deep sense of community, rich traditions, and a dynamic cultural landscape. The country, whose name means “Land of Upright People,” is known for its strong sense of identity and commitment to social cohesion.
Table of Contents
Geography
Burkina Faso covers an area of approximately 274,200 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller countries in West Africa. It is bordered by Mali to the north and west, Niger to the east, and Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire to the south.
The country is characterized by a mostly flat terrain, with the Sahel region to the north, transitioning into savannah and scattered forests in the south. The climate is tropical with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season dominated by the Harmattan winds from November to April.
States of Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is divided into 13 administrative regions, which are further subdivided into 45 provinces. These provinces are then divided into departments. The country does not have states, but the regions serve as the primary administrative divisions. Here’s a table listing Burkina Faso’s 13 regions along with the provinces included in each region:
| No | Region | Provinces Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Boucle du Mouhoun | Balé, Banwa, Kossi, Mouhoun, Nayala, Sourou |
| 2. | Cascades | Comoé, Léraba |
| 3. | Centre | Kadiogo |
| 4. | Centre-Est | Boulgou, Koulpélogo, Kouritenga |
| 5. | Centre-Nord | Bam, Namentenga, Sanmatenga |
| 6. | Centre-Ouest | Boulkiemdé, Sanguié, Sissili, Ziro |
| 7. | Centre-Sud | Bazèga, Nahouri, Zoundwéogo |
| 8. | Est | Gnagna, Gourma, Komondjari, Kompienga, Tapoa |
| 9. | Hauts-Bassins | Houet, Kénédougou, Tuy |
| 10. | Nord | Loroum, Passoré, Yatenga, Zondoma |
| 11. | Plateau-Central | Ganzourgou, Kourwéogo, Oubritenga |
| 12. | Sahel | Oudalan, Séno, Soum, Yagha |
| 13. | Sud-Ouest | Bougouriba, Ioba, Noumbiel, Poni |
History
The history of Burkina Faso is deeply rooted in the ancient empires and kingdoms that once flourished in the region. The Mossi people, who make up the majority of the population, established powerful kingdoms such as Ouagadougou, Yatenga, and Tenkodogo in the 11th century.
These kingdoms were known for their sophisticated governance structures and military prowess, and they played a significant role in regional politics for centuries. In the late 19th century, the region came under French colonial rule, becoming part of French West Africa. The territory was initially known as Upper Volta, named after the Volta River, which flows through the country.
During the colonial period, the people of Upper Volta faced significant challenges, including forced labor and land expropriation. Despite these hardships, the people of Upper Volta maintained their cultural identity and continued to resist colonial rule. Burkina Faso gained independence from France on August 5, 1960.
The country’s name was changed from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso in 1984 by the revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara, who sought to break away from the colonial legacy and promote national unity. Sankara’s government implemented wide-ranging social and economic reforms, focusing on self-reliance, anti-corruption, and women’s rights. Though Sankara’s rule was short-lived, his legacy continues to inspire many in Burkina Faso and beyond.
Top Ten Must-Visit Destinations
1. Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou, the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso, is the cultural and political heart of the country. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, bustling markets, and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore the National Museum, which showcases Burkina Faso’s rich history and cultural heritage, or visit the Grand Mosque, an impressive example of Sahelian architecture. The city also hosts the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), one of the most important film festivals on the African continent.
2. Bobo-Dioulasso
Bobo-Dioulasso, the second-largest city in Burkina Faso, is known for its relaxed atmosphere, musical heritage, and traditional architecture. The city’s Grand Mosque, built in the Sudanese style, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Burkina Faso. Visitors can also explore the lively Kibidwé market, where local artisans sell handmade crafts, textiles, and fresh produce. Bobo-Dioulasso is also famous for its vibrant music scene, with traditional rhythms and modern sounds blending in the city’s many music venues.
3. Banfora
Banfora is a picturesque town located in the southwest of Burkina Faso, known for its stunning natural landscapes. The nearby Karfiguéla Waterfalls, also known as the Banfora Cascades, are a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush vegetation, making them a perfect spot for hiking and picnicking. Another must-visit attraction near Banfora is the Sindou Peaks, a series of dramatic rock formations that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
4. Loropéni Ruins
The Loropéni Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are the remains of an ancient stone fortress in southwestern Burkina Faso. The origins of the ruins are still shrouded in mystery, but they are believed to be linked to the trans-Saharan gold trade that flourished between the 11th and 19th centuries. The site is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient fortifications in West Africa and offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich and complex history.
5. Tiébélé
Tiébélé is a small village in the Nahouri Province of Burkina Faso, famous for its unique and intricately decorated houses. The houses are built in the traditional Kassena style, with walls painted in striking geometric patterns using natural pigments. The village is a living museum of Kassena culture, and visitors can learn about the traditional building techniques, symbolism, and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.
6. Arli National Park
Arli National Park, located in the southeastern part of the country, is one of Burkina Faso’s premier wildlife reserves. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, lions, buffalo, and hippos. Visitors can take guided safaris to explore the park’s savannahs, forests, and rivers, and experience the thrill of seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species recorded.
7. W National Park
W National Park, part of a transboundary protected area that spans Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity. The park is named after the W-shaped bends of the Niger River that runs through it. Visitors to W National Park can encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, cheetahs, leopards, and numerous bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannah to wetlands, make it a unique and important conservation area.
8. Gorom-Gorom
Gorom-Gorom is a town in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso, known for its lively market and traditional culture. The town’s name means “You sit down, (and) we’ll sit down,” reflecting its history as a meeting place for traders from different ethnic groups. The Gorom-Gorom market, held every Thursday, is one of the largest in the region and attracts traders and buyers from across West Africa. Visitors can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the market, where livestock, textiles, spices, and crafts are bought and sold.
9. Nazinga Game Ranch
Nazinga Game Ranch is a wildlife reserve located in southern Burkina Faso, known for its successful elephant conservation program. The ranch offers visitors the opportunity to see elephants up close, as well as other wildlife such as antelopes, warthogs, and crocodiles. The reserve’s diverse habitats, including woodlands, savannahs, and rivers, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
10. Lake Tengrela
Lake Tengrela, located near Banfora, is a tranquil spot known for its serene beauty and resident hippopotamus population. Visitors can take a boat trip on the lake to see the hippos, who are considered sacred by the local communities. The lake is also a great place for birdwatching, with many species of waterfowl and migratory birds found in the area. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning sunsets make Lake Tengrela a perfect destination for relaxation.
Culture
Burkina Faso’s culture is deeply rooted in its diverse ethnic heritage, with more than 60 ethnic groups living in the country. The largest of these are the Mossi, Fulani, Bobo, Gurunsi, and Senufo, each with their own languages, customs, and traditions. The Mossi people, who make up about half of the population, have a long history of kingship and chieftaincy, which continues to play an important role in their social structure.
Traditional music and dance are integral parts of Burkina Faso’s cultural identity. The country is known for its rich musical traditions, including the use of instruments such as the balafon (a type of xylophone), the kora (a stringed instrument), and the djembe (a drum). Music and dance are often performed during festivals, ceremonies, and social gatherings, with rhythms and movements that vary between ethnic groups.
Burkina Faso is also known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. The country is famous for its bronze casting, pottery, weaving, and mask-making. Traditional masks play a significant role in cultural rituals and are often used in ceremonies to communicate with the spiritual world. Artisans in Burkina Faso are highly skilled, and their works are not only valued locally but also sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world.
Festivals
Burkina Faso hosts several festivals that celebrate its rich cultural heritage. The most famous of these is FESPACO, the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, which is held every two years in the capital. FESPACO is the largest film festival in Africa and showcases the best of African cinema. Another important festival is the SIAO (International Arts and Crafts Fair of Ouagadougou), which attracts artisans and visitors from across the continent to celebrate and promote traditional crafts.
Economy
Burkina Faso’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with around 80% of the population engaged in farming. The country’s main agricultural products include cotton, millet, sorghum, maize, and livestock. Cotton is the country’s most important cash crop and a major source of export revenue.
In addition to agriculture, Burkina Faso has significant mineral resources, particularly gold, which has become a major contributor to the economy in recent years. Despite these resources, Burkina Faso remains one of the poorest countries in the world, facing challenges such as food insecurity, limited infrastructure, and political instability.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Burkina Faso reflects the country’s agricultural heritage and the diverse cultures of its people. Staple foods include millet, sorghum, maize, and rice, which are often served with sauces made from vegetables, peanuts, or meat. One of the most popular traditional dishes is “to,” a thick porridge made from millet or maize flour, typically served with a sauce made from okra, baobab leaves, or peanut butter.
Grilled meat, particularly goat and chicken, is also commonly enjoyed, often accompanied by fried plantains or rice. Street food is a popular aspect of Burkinabe cuisine, with snacks like “brochettes” (meat skewers) and “akara” (fried bean cakes) widely available.
Top Eight Most Famous Food
Interesting Facts
- Burkina Faso means “Land of Upright People” in Mossi and Dioula languages.
- The country is known for its rich tradition of oral storytelling.
- Burkina Faso is one of the few African countries that has no direct access to the sea.
- The country has one of the largest film festivals in Africa, FESPACO.
- The national sport of Burkina Faso is football (soccer).
- Burkina Faso is home to the largest elephant population in West Africa.
- The country has a literacy rate of around 40%, one of the lowest in the world.
- Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, is often called “Ouaga” by locals.
- The country has a vibrant tradition of mask-making, particularly among the Bobo and Gurunsi people.
- Burkina Faso is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Conclusion
Burkina Faso is a country that, despite its challenges, shines with its rich cultural heritage, resilient spirit, and vibrant traditions. From the bustling markets of Ouagadougou to the tranquil landscapes of Banfora, visitors to Burkina Faso will discover a land of contrasts and a people whose warmth and hospitality are as enduring as their history. With its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, Burkina Faso remains one of West Africa’s hidden gems, waiting to be explored.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏