Burkina Faso
Africa Ouagadougou
Population
23.49M
Area
274,200 km²
GDP
$23.25B
GDP Per Capita
$2,500
Pop. Density
86/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
FrWest African CFA franc(XOF)
Calling Code
+226
Timezone
UTC
Languages
French
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Burkinabe
Background
Many of Burkina Faso’s ethnic groups arrived in the region between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Gurma and Mossi peoples established several of the largest kingdoms in the area and used horse-mounted warriors in military campaigns. Of the various Mossi kingdoms, the most powerful were Ouagadougou and Yatenga. In the late 19th century, European states competed for control of the region. France eventually conquered the area and established it as a French protectorate.
The country achieved independence from France in 1960 and changed its name to Burkina Faso in 1984. Repeated military coups were common in the country’s first few decades. In 1987 Blaise COMPAORE deposed the president, established a government, and ruled for 27 years. In 2014, COMPAORE resigned after protests against his repeated efforts to amend the constitution's two-term presidential limit. An interim administration led a year-long transition, organizing presidential and legislative elections. In 2015, Roch Marc Christian KABORE was elected president, and he was reelected in 2020. In 2022, the military conducted two takeovers: In January, army colonel Paul Henri DAMIBA overthrew KABORE in a coup d'etat, and then in September, army captain Ibrahim TRAORE deposed DAMIBA and declared himself transition president. The transition government planned to hold elections by July 2024, but they may be delayed due to security concerns.
Terrorist groups -- including groups affiliated with Al-Qa’ida and the Islamic State -- began attacks in the country in 2016 and conducted attacks in the capital in 2016, 2017, and 2018. By early 2023, insecurity in Burkina Faso had displaced more than 2 million people and led to significant jumps in humanitarian needs and food insecurity. In addition to terrorism, the country faces a myriad of problems including high population growth, recurring drought, pervasive and perennial food insecurity, and limited natural resources. It is one of the world’s poorest countries.
The country achieved independence from France in 1960 and changed its name to Burkina Faso in 1984. Repeated military coups were common in the country’s first few decades. In 1987 Blaise COMPAORE deposed the president, established a government, and ruled for 27 years. In 2014, COMPAORE resigned after protests against his repeated efforts to amend the constitution's two-term presidential limit. An interim administration led a year-long transition, organizing presidential and legislative elections. In 2015, Roch Marc Christian KABORE was elected president, and he was reelected in 2020. In 2022, the military conducted two takeovers: In January, army colonel Paul Henri DAMIBA overthrew KABORE in a coup d'etat, and then in September, army captain Ibrahim TRAORE deposed DAMIBA and declared himself transition president. The transition government planned to hold elections by July 2024, but they may be delayed due to security concerns.
Terrorist groups -- including groups affiliated with Al-Qa’ida and the Islamic State -- began attacks in the country in 2016 and conducted attacks in the capital in 2016, 2017, and 2018. By early 2023, insecurity in Burkina Faso had displaced more than 2 million people and led to significant jumps in humanitarian needs and food insecurity. In addition to terrorism, the country faces a myriad of problems including high population growth, recurring drought, pervasive and perennial food insecurity, and limited natural resources. It is one of the world’s poorest countries.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑253.2% since 2006$7B (2006)$23B (2024)
Population
↑63.8% since 200614.4M (2006)23.5M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 61.1 years2006: 53.8 years2023: 61.1 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography19
Location
Western Africa, north of Ghana
Geographic coordinates
13 00 N, 2 00 W
Map references
Africa
Area
total : 274,200 sq km
land: 273,800 sq km
water: 400 sq km
land: 273,800 sq km
water: 400 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Colorado
Land boundaries
total: 3,611 km
border countries: Benin 386 km; Cote d'Ivoire 545 km; Ghana 602 km; Mali 1325 km; Niger 622 km; Togo 131 km
border countries: Benin 386 km; Cote d'Ivoire 545 km; Ghana 602 km; Mali 1325 km; Niger 622 km; Togo 131 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
three climate zones including 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
Terrain
mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in the west and southeast; occupies an extensive plateau with savanna that is grassy in the north and gradually gives way to sparse forests in the south
Elevation
highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m
lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m
mean elevation: 297 m
lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m
mean elevation: 297 m
Natural resources
gold, manganese, zinc, limestone, marble, phosphates, pumice, salt
Land use
agricultural land
53.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 28.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 2.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 21.9% (2023 est.)
forest
12.7% (2023 est.)
other
33.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
550 sq km (2016)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Volta river source (shared with Ghana [m]) - 1,600 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km)
Population distribution
most of the population is located in the center and south; nearly one third lives in cities, including the capital city of Ouagadougou (Ouaga), as shown in this population distribution map (2019)
Natural hazards
recurring droughts
Geography - note
landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers, the Black, Red, and White Voltas
People & Society36
Population
total: 23,490,300 (2025 est.)
male: 11,529,979
female: 11,960,321
male: 11,529,979
female: 11,960,321
Nationality
noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural)
adjective: Burkinabe
adjective: Burkinabe
Ethnic groups
Mossi 53.7%, Fulani (Peuhl) 6.8%, Gurunsi 5.9%, Bissa 5.4%, Gurma 5.2%, Bobo 3.4%, Senufo 2.2%, Bissa 1.5%, Lobi 1.5%, Tuareg/Bella 0.1%, other 12.8%, foreign 0.7% (2021 est.)
Languages
Mossi 52.9%, Fula 7.8%, Gourmantche 6.8%, Dyula 5.7%, Bissa 3.3%, Gurunsi 3.2%, French (official) 2.2%, Bwamu 2%, Dagara 2%, San 1.7%, Marka 1.6%, Bobo 1.5%, Senufo 1.5%, Lobi 1.2%, other 6.6% (2019 est.)
Religions
Muslim 63.8%, Roman Catholic 20.1%, Animiste 9%, Protestant 6.2%, other 0.2%, none 0.7% (2019 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 41.6% (male 4,868,488/female 4,727,316)
15-64 years: 55.1% (male 6,116,674/female 6,590,775)
65 years and over: 3.2% (2024 est.) (male 312,587/female 426,359)
15-64 years: 55.1% (male 6,116,674/female 6,590,775)
65 years and over: 3.2% (2024 est.) (male 312,587/female 426,359)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 79 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 73.2 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.8 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 17.3 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 73.2 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.8 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 17.3 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 19 years (2025 est.)
male: 17.9 years
female: 19.5 years
male: 17.9 years
female: 19.5 years
Population growth rate
2.39% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
31.74 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
7.24 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
most of the population is located in the center and south; nearly one third lives in cities, including the capital city of Ouagadougou (Ouaga), as shown in this population distribution map (2019)
Urbanization
urban population: 32.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 4.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 4.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.204 million OUAGADOUGOU (capital), 1.129 million Bobo-Dioulasso (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.1 years (2021 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
242 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 48 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 51.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 51.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 42.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 64.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 62.3 years
female: 66.1 years
male: 62.3 years
female: 66.1 years
Total fertility rate
4.02 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.98 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 80.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 34.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 49.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 19.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 65.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 50.5% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.15 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
0.2 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 91.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 42.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 58.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 8.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 57.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 41.9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.6% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 7.28 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 5.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 5.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 12.4% (2025 est.)
male: 20.4% (2025 est.)
female: 4.6% (2025 est.)
male: 20.4% (2025 est.)
female: 4.6% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
16.9% (2021 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
74.3% (2021 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 8.9% (2015)
women married by age 18: 51.3% (2015)
men married by age 18: 1.6% (2015)
women married by age 18: 51.3% (2015)
men married by age 18: 1.6% (2015)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 5.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 20.3% national budget (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 20.3% national budget (2023 est.)
Literacy
total population: 41.4% (2023 est.)
male: 48.4% (2023 est.)
female: 35.7% (2023 est.)
male: 48.4% (2023 est.)
female: 35.7% (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 7 years (2023 est.)
male: 7 years (2023 est.)
female: 7 years (2023 est.)
male: 7 years (2023 est.)
female: 7 years (2023 est.)
Government23
Country name
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Burkina Faso
local long form
none
local short form
Burkina Faso
former
Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta
etymology
name translates as "Land of the Worthy Men," from the Dyula words burkina, or "worthy," and faso, which means "land" or literally "father village," from fa, or "father," and so, or "village"
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Ouagadougou
geographic coordinates: 12 22 N, 1 31 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: Ouagadougou is a Francophone spelling of the native name "Wogodogo," which may come from the personal name "Waga" or "Woga" and the Dyula word "dugu," meaning "village"
geographic coordinates: 12 22 N, 1 31 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: Ouagadougou is a Francophone spelling of the native name "Wogodogo," which may come from the personal name "Waga" or "Woga" and the Dyula word "dugu," meaning "village"
Administrative divisions
13 regions; Boucle du Mouhoun, Cascades, Centre, Centre-Est, Centre-Nord, Centre-Ouest, Centre-Sud, Est, Hauts-Bassins, Nord, Plateau-Central, Sahel, Sud-Ouest
Legal system
civil law based on the French model and customary law
Constitution
history: several previous; latest approved by referendum 2 June 1991, adopted 11 June 1991, temporarily suspended late October to mid-November 2014; initial draft of a new constitution to usher in the new republic was completed in January 2017 and a final draft was submitted to the government in December 2017; a constitutional referendum originally scheduled for adoption in March 2019 was postponed; on 1 March 2022 a transition charter was adopted, allowing military authorities to rule for three years and barring the transitional president from being an electoral candidate after the transition
amendment process: proposed by the president, by a majority of National Assembly membership, or by petition of at least 30,000 eligible voters submitted to the Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote in the Assembly; failure to meet that threshold requires majority voter approval in a referendum; constitutional provisions on the form of government, the multiparty system, and national sovereignty cannot be amended
amendment process: proposed by the president, by a majority of National Assembly membership, or by petition of at least 30,000 eligible voters submitted to the Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote in the Assembly; failure to meet that threshold requires majority voter approval in a referendum; constitutional provisions on the form of government, the multiparty system, and national sovereignty cannot be amended
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Burkina Faso
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Burkina Faso
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
Transitional President Capt. Ibrahim TRAORE (since 30 September 2022)
head of government
Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO (since 9 December 2024)
cabinet
prior to the 2022 coups and ad hoc suspension of laws and constitutional provisions, Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
election/appointment process
prior to the 2022 coups and ad hoc suspension of laws and constitutional provisions, president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president with consent of the National Assembly
most recent election date
22 November 2020
election results
2020: Roch Marc Christian KABORE reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Roch Marc Christian KABORE (MPP) 57.9%, Eddie KOMBOIGO (CDP) 15.5%, Zephirin DIABRE (UPC) 12.5%, other 14.1%
expected date of next election
were to be held by July 2024, but were delayed
Legislative branch
legislature name
Parliament (Parlement)
legislative structure
unicameral
chamber name
Transitional Legislative Assembly (Assemblée législative de la transition)
number of seats
71
electoral system
proportional representation
most recent election date
11/11/2022
percentage of women in chamber
18.3%
expected date of next election
June 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (consists of NA judges); Council of State (consists of NA judges); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel (consists of the council president and 9 members)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judge appointments mostly controlled by the president of Burkina Faso; judges have no term limits; Council of State judge appointment and tenure NA; Constitutional Council judges appointed by the president of Burkina Faso after a proposal from the minister of justice and the president of the National Assembly; judges appointed for 9-year terms with one-third of membership renewed every 3 years
subordinate courts: Appeals Court; High Court; first instance tribunals; district courts; specialized courts relating to issues of labor, children, and juveniles; village (customary) courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judge appointments mostly controlled by the president of Burkina Faso; judges have no term limits; Council of State judge appointment and tenure NA; Constitutional Council judges appointed by the president of Burkina Faso after a proposal from the minister of justice and the president of the National Assembly; judges appointed for 9-year terms with one-third of membership renewed every 3 years
subordinate courts: Appeals Court; High Court; first instance tribunals; district courts; specialized courts relating to issues of labor, children, and juveniles; village (customary) courts
Political parties
Act Together
African Democratic Rally/Alliance for Democracy and Federation or ADF/RDA
Congress for Democracy and Progress or CDP
Convergence for Progress and Solidarity-Generation 3 or CPS-G3
Movement for the Future Burkina Faso or MBF
National Convention for Progress or CNP
New Era for Democracy or NTD
Pan-African Alliance for Refoundation or APR
Party for Democracy and Socialism/Metba or PDS/Metba
Party for Development and Change or PDC
Patriotic Rally for Integrity or RPI
Peoples Movement for Progress or MPP
Progressives United for Renewal or PUR
Union for Progress and Reform or UPC
Union for Rebirth - Sankarist Party or UNIR-PS
African Democratic Rally/Alliance for Democracy and Federation or ADF/RDA
Congress for Democracy and Progress or CDP
Convergence for Progress and Solidarity-Generation 3 or CPS-G3
Movement for the Future Burkina Faso or MBF
National Convention for Progress or CNP
New Era for Democracy or NTD
Pan-African Alliance for Refoundation or APR
Party for Democracy and Socialism/Metba or PDS/Metba
Party for Development and Change or PDC
Patriotic Rally for Integrity or RPI
Peoples Movement for Progress or MPP
Progressives United for Renewal or PUR
Union for Progress and Reform or UPC
Union for Rebirth - Sankarist Party or UNIR-PS
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kassoum COULIBALY (since 24 July 2025)
chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577
FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882
email address and website:
contact@burkina-usa.org
https://burkina-usa.org/
chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577
FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882
email address and website:
contact@burkina-usa.org
https://burkina-usa.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Joann M. LOCKARD (since 28 June 2024)
embassy
Secteur 15, Ouaga 2000, Avenue Sembene Ousmane, Rue 15.873, Ouagadougou
mailing address
2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC 20521-2440
telephone
(226) 25-49-53-00
FAX
(226) 25-49-56-23
email address and website
AmembOuaga@state.gov
https://bf.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU (suspended), CD, EITI (compliant country), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSCA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
5 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday
Republic Day, 11 December (1958)
Flag
description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green, with a five-pointed yellow star in the center
meaning: red stands for the country's struggle for independence, green for hope and abundance, and yellow for the country's mineral wealth
history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
meaning: red stands for the country's struggle for independence, green for hope and abundance, and yellow for the country's mineral wealth
history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
National symbol(s)
white stallion
National color(s)
red, yellow, green
National anthem(s)
title: "Le Ditanye" (Anthem of Victory)
lyrics/music: Thomas SANKARA
history: adopted 1974; also known as "Une Seule Nuit"(One Single Night) ; written by the country's former president, an avid guitar player
lyrics/music: Thomas SANKARA
history: adopted 1974; also known as "Une Seule Nuit"(One Single Night) ; written by the country's former president, an avid guitar player
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales:
selected World Heritage Site locales:
Ruins of Loropéni (c); Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso (c); W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (n); Royal Court of Tiébélé (c)
Economy30
Economic overview
highly agrarian, low-income economy; limited natural resources; widespread poverty; terrorism disrupting potential economic activity; improving trade balance via increases in gold exports; economy inflating after prior deflation; growing public debt but still manageable
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $60.001 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $57.152 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $55.508 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $57.152 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $55.508 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 5% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 3% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 1.5% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 3% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 1.5% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $2,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $2,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $2,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $2,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $2,500 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$23.25 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 4.2% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 0.7% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 14.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 0.7% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 14.3% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 18.6% (2024 est.)
industry: 29.7% (2024 est.)
services: 40.2% (2024 est.)
industry: 29.7% (2024 est.)
services: 40.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
60.6% (2024 est.)
government consumption
18.8% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
16.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
10.6% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
28.5% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-34.9% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
maize, sorghum, fruits, vegetables, millet, cowpeas, cotton, groundnuts, sugarcane, rice (2023)
Industries
cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold
Industrial production growth rate
-5.4% (2024 est.)
Labor force
6.461 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 5.2% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 5.4% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 5.4% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 5.4% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 5.4% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 8.1% (2024 est.)
male: 7.8% (2024 est.)
female: 8.5% (2024 est.)
male: 7.8% (2024 est.)
female: 8.5% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
43.2% (2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 37.4 (2021 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 30.2% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 30.2% (2021 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 2.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
revenues: $5.174 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $6.308 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $6.308 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 61.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
18.4% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$1.017 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.404 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $77.255 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.404 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $77.255 million (2021 est.)
Exports
Exports 2023: $5.912 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.814 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.234 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.814 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.234 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Switzerland 72%, UAE 10%, India 3%, Mali 3%, Cote d'Ivoire 2% (2023)
Exports - commodities
gold, cotton, oil seeds, coconuts/brazil nuts/cashews, cement (2023)
Imports
Imports 2023: $6.834 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $6.761 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $5.835 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022: $6.761 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $5.835 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
Cote d'Ivoire 14%, China 13%, Ghana 9%, Russia 9%, France 7% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, plastic products, cement, electricity, packaged medicine (2023)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $3.565 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
606.345 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
606.57 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
623.76 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
554.531 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
575.586 (2020 est.)
Energy6
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 19.5% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 60.5%
electrification - rural areas: 3.4%
electrification - urban areas: 60.5%
electrification - rural areas: 3.4%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 749,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 3.096 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.577 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 212.254 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 3.096 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.577 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 212.254 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 82.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 5.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 6.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 5.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 5.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 6.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 5.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
exports: 1 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 74 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 74 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 37,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 3.481 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 72,700 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 26.9 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 119 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 119 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
14 digital TV channels, of which 2 are state-owned; over 140 national radio stations (commercial, religious, community), including a national and regional state-owned network; state-owned Radio Burkina and private Radio Omega are among the most widely available and broadcast in both French and local languages (2019)
Internet country code
.bf
Internet users
percent of population: 17% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 15,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Transportation3
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
XT
Airports
49 (2025)
Railways
total: 622 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 622 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
narrow gauge: 622 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
Military & Security6
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of Burkina Faso (FABF; aka National Armed Forces (FAN), aka Defense and Security Forces (Forces de Défense et de Sécurité or FDS)): Army of Burkina Faso, Air Force of Burkina Faso, National Gendarmerie, National Fire Brigade (Brigade Nationale de Sapeurs-Pompiers or BNSP); Homeland Defense Volunteers (Forcés de Volontaires de Défense pour la Patrie or VDP)
Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Security (Ministère de l'Administration Territoriale, de la Décentralisation et de la Sécurité): National Police of Burkina Faso (includes Border Police, Judicial Police, and Intervention Units, as well as State and Public Security forces) (2025)
Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Security (Ministère de l'Administration Territoriale, de la Décentralisation et de la Sécurité): National Police of Burkina Faso (includes Border Police, Judicial Police, and Intervention Units, as well as State and Public Security forces) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 4.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 20,000 Armed Forces; estimated 50,000 Homeland Defense Volunteers (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the FABF has a mix of older and some modern armaments from a variety of suppliers, including China, Egypt, France, Russia, South Africa, Türkiye, the UK, and the UAE (2025)
Military service age and obligation
generally, 18-35 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; citizens 18-77 years of age are eligible to volunteer for the VDP (2025)
Military - note
the Armed Forces of Burkina Faso (FABF) are responsible for external defense but also have an internal security role and can be called out to assist internal security forces in restoring public order, combating crime, securing the border, and conducting counterterrorism/counterinsurgency/internal defense operations; the FABF has a history of involvement in the country’s politics, having conducted eight coups since its formation in 1960-61, including the most recent in September 2022
the FABF's primary focus is combatting militants of the al-Qa'ida and Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) terrorist groups, which have operated in Burkina Faso for more than a decade and control portions of the country; Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition of al-Qa'ida linked militant groups that act as al-Qa'ida in the Land of the Islamic Magreb's (AQIM) arm in the Sahel, is strongest in the north but active in nearly all of the country's 13 provinces, while ISIS in the Greater Sahara (aka ISIS-Sahel) operates in the eastern part of the country (2025)
the FABF's primary focus is combatting militants of the al-Qa'ida and Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) terrorist groups, which have operated in Burkina Faso for more than a decade and control portions of the country; Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition of al-Qa'ida linked militant groups that act as al-Qa'ida in the Land of the Islamic Magreb's (AQIM) arm in the Sahel, is strongest in the north but active in nearly all of the country's 13 provinces, while ISIS in the Greater Sahara (aka ISIS-Sahel) operates in the eastern part of the country (2025)
Transnational Issues2
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 41,408 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 2,065,358 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 2,065,358 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period, therefore Burkina Faso remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/burkina-faso/
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