Flag of Burkina Faso

Flag of Burkina Faso

Capital » Ouagadougou

Facts

  • Population » 18.6 million
  • Major languages » French (Official), indigenous languages
  • Major religions » Indigenous beliefs, Islam, Christianity
  • Life expectancy » 59 years (men), 61 years (women)
  • Currency » Communauté Financière Africaine (BCEAO) Franc (XOF)
    • Currency » 1 West African CFA Franc = 100 centimes

Geography

Maps

Climate

  • Three climate zones »
    • A hot tropical savanna with a short rainy season in the southern half,
    • A tropical hot semi-arid steppe climate typical of the Sahel region in the northern half,
    • and small area of hot desert in the very north of the country bordering the Sahara Desert
  • Average temperature in Ouagadougou is 41°C (106°F) with a humidity of 12% to 16%.
  • The harmattan, a dry east wind, brings with it spells of considerable heat from March to May.
  • From May to October, the climate is hot and wet. The rainy season lasts up to five months, from May to October.
  • From November to March, more comfortable and dry.
  • Average rainfall varies from 40 inches in the south to less than 10 inches in the extreme north and northeast.

Adventure

  • Traffic drives on the Right side
  • An International Driving Permit is recommended
  • Many roads become impassable during the raining season – May to October.

Safety and Security

  • Rogue soldiers overthrew the government of Burkina Faso in January 2022 and then again in September 2022.
  • In May 2024, Military ruler Capt Ibrahim Traoré broke his promise to restore civilian rule by 1 July 2024, extending military rule by five years. (RFI / BBC / Al Jazeera)
  • New Zealand » Do not travel to Burkina Faso due to the volatile security situation and the high threat of kidnapping, terrorism and armed banditry (level 4 of 4). (March 2023)
Map of Burkino Faso (Source » France)

Map of Burkina Faso (Source » France, Current as of May 2024)

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This page was updated May 27, 2024