Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. Its bordering countries are; Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. The capital is Ouagadougou with a third of the country’s population living in the capital. The country uses the Central African Franc (CFA).
Fun fact! The Burkina Faso means ‘The land of the honest people’ and The capital Ouagadougou literally means ‘you are welcome here at home with us’.
If you’d like to hear more interesting facts about Burkina Faso, click on the video below
So, let’s break this country up into PARTS.
People
The Mossi are the largest ethnic group in the county with over half of the population belonging to this group. The country has 59 other ethnic groups too including the Fulani, Gurma and Bobo. The country’s official language is French as the country was a former French colony with other native languages such as Moore commonly spoken
Attractions
With the northern part of the country being a Savanna, it’s not uncommon to see wildlife flourishing here. Pendjari national park and Arly National park provide all animal wonderers to see some of the world’s most exotic birds and fish species. From Buffalos, hippos, crocodiles to monkeys, these parks have it all.
The City of Ouagadougou itself has so much to offer! From the beautifully constructed cathedrals, mosques and palaces to the national museums.
If you are venturing out of the capital, Bobo-dioulasso Mosque is a must visit, showcasing the countries culture and history, it is an archaeological marvel. Tiebele and Arly-singou are also great places to visit to learn of Burkinabe culture.
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- Burkina Faso
Rituals and Culture
Music and sports are a big part of Burkinabe’s culture, with each ethnic group having their own variety of folk music. Sports such as handball, basketball and boxing are very popular with Football being the national sport. All that singing and playing must drum up an appetite, right? In Burkina Faso, some staple foods in the countries are yam, maize, rice, okra and beans
The Burkinabe’s are predominately Muslim. Catholicism as well as other religions such as animists are also practiced. An ethnic group named the bobo hold fertility ceremonies invoking the deities with their painted butterfly masks. Other ethnic groups also have their own unique rituals to speak to deities.
Tips
– Get your doc in check. You must have a yellow fever certificate to enter the country
– Keep your wits about you. Unfortunately, petty crime is common in Burkina Faso so always make sure you are aware of your surroundings.
Stories
For more travel advice check out; FCO: Travel Advice
Outside of the UK: Please check your government’s travel advice carefully.