Profiles: Countries

BURKINA FASO: Republic of Burkina Faso

After independence, the government managed to develop the agricultural resources of the country through regional development organisations. This did not stop the flow of emigrants towards the rich neighbouring countries like Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Burkina Faso is a member of the United Nations, the OAU, as well as ECOWAS.

Situated in the Sahel region south of the Sahara, Burkina Faso is 500 Km from the Atlantic Ocean. Fifty percent of the population are Mossis. The territory is made up of a great low lying plateau, and has a mosonic climate with summer rains. In winter the prevailing north wind is turning the country more and more into desertland. Two important rivers cross the country, the Black Volta and the White Volta. There are two principal cities, Ouagadougou, and Bobo-Dioulasso the capital.

Burkina Faso is the world’s 9th largest producer of sweet potatoes, and the 11th of sorghum. France is its main trading partner.     1    2