The Top Gold Producer in Africa
Burkina Faso, which most people know little about, is actually Africa's fourth largest producer of gold. Mining is one of the country's chief avenues of income, with gold accounting for over 90% of its mining output.
A zest for Bicycles
Burkina Faso hosts an extraordinarily popular international cycling tournament known as the Tour du Faso every year. Participants from all over the world showcase their skills in this prestigious event, which is preceded by a national cycling competition.
Land of Upright Men
The name Burkina Faso means "Land of Upright Men." It was christened by Thomas Sankara, a popular figure who seized power in 1983 and changed the country's name from "Upper Volta" to Burkina Faso. His goal was to eliminate corruption and promote the moral fiber of the society.
The Historical Mossi Kingdoms
Burkina Faso was home to the powerful Mossi kingdoms, which existed for more than 800 years. The kingdoms were quite influential in western Africa from the 12th century until the end of the 19th century.
Unique Traditional Festivals
Burkina Faso is famous for its authentic and lively cultural festivals. The most significant of these is the Fête du Dipri, a festival that runs from sunset to sunrise and involves exorcism rituals.
Largest Handwoven Fabric Producer
Burkina Faso is the largest producer of handwoven fabric in West Africa. The hand looming technique is a culturally significant craft that has been passed down through generations.
Unusual National Sports
While football is widely followed in Burkina Faso, traditional wrestling known as “lutte traditionnelle”, is the national sport and is a major draw during local festivities and national holidays.
Land of Elephants
"Pô" National Park in Burkina Faso is known as "the land of elephants". Every year, the country holds an Elephant Festival, deploying traditional methods for counting the elephant population.
The Sahel Desert Microcosm
A significant section of Burkina Faso falls within the Sahel, a transitional ecozone between the Sahara desert to the north and the more fertile region to the south. Its biodiversity is a hotbed for ecological research and it provides an intricate insight into desertification processes.
Vibrant Cinematographic Industry
Burkina Faso has a thriving cinema industry and hosts the biennial Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), the largest African cinema event on the continent.
Witness to A Dinosaur Era
In the north of Burkina Faso, particularly in the town of Gorom Gorom, many dinosaur fossils have been discovered. Some of the discovered fossils date back about 110 million years.
Multiethnic Composition
Burkina Faso is a multiethnic nation with approximately 60 distinct ethnic groups, each with its unique culture, social structure, and language. This reality significantly enriches the country's folk arts and cultural expressions.
The Love for Burkina Beer
One of the popular beverages in Burkina Faso, particularly in the rural areas, is the local beer called dolo. This beer, made from fermented millet, has a distinct flavor and plays a central role in social events and traditional ceremonies.
Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Burkina Faso's culturally significant ancient royal court, the Ruins of Loropéni, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. These ruins bear testimony to the power and wealth of the trans-Saharan gold trade.
Endangered Languages Capital
Burkina Faso is home to numerous endangered languages. Some estimates suggest that 26 languages spoken within the country are endangered, making it a linguistic conservation hotspot.
The Ritual of Masked Dances
Masks play a significant role in Burkinabe culture, with masked dances, particularly among the Bwa people, being a noteworthy ritual that serves spiritual and social functions.
Host to Africa's largest Craft Market
Burkina Faso hosts the largest craft market in Africa, specifically in its capital city, Ouagadougou. The marketplace is abundant with handcrafted jewelry, bronze statues, textiles, leatherwork, and musical instruments.
Respect for Crocodiles
In Sabou, a town in Burkina Faso, crocodiles are treated with utmost respect due to the local belief that the souls of deceased villagers reside in them. It's one of the few places where humans and crocodiles peacefully coexist.
Stars of Africa - The Iconic Baobab Tree
Baobab trees, often regarded as upside-down trees for their peculiar shape, are iconic in Burkina Faso. Known as the “Tree of Life,” these trees can live for up to 3,000 years, providing shelter, food, and water to humans and animals.
The Largest Population Growth Rate
With a growth rate of about 3%, Burkina Faso holds one of the highest population growth rates in the world. This high birth rate makes it a youthful nation, with more than 65% of its population under 25 years of age.