Burkina faso

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north; Niger to the east; Benin to the southeast; Togo and Ghana to the south; and Côte d'Ivoire to the southwest. Its capital is Ouagadougou.

History[edit | edit source]

Burkina Faso's history is characterized by several key periods. The Mossi Kingdoms period, which lasted from the 11th to the 19th century, was followed by the French colonial period (1896-1960). The country gained independence from France on August 5, 1960, and was initially named Upper Volta, after the Volta River. The name Burkina Faso, which means "Land of Incorruptible People", was adopted in 1984 during Thomas Sankara's presidency.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Burkina Faso's geography is characterized by a flat terrain, with a savanna that covers over 77% of the country. The country is part of the Sahel region, which means it faces significant environmental challenges, including desertification and deforestation.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Burkina Faso is largely dependent on subsistence farming and livestock rearing. The country is also rich in gold, and the mining sector has seen significant growth in recent years. Despite these resources, Burkina Faso remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with a low GDP per capita.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Burkina Faso's culture is rich and diverse, with over 60 ethnic groups. The country is known for its music and dance, particularly the griot tradition, and for its film industry, which is celebrated annually at the FESPACO.

See also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD