Burkina Faso

Introduction to Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation in West Africa. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the south east, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d'Ivoire to the south west. Formerly the Republic of Upper Volta, it was renamed on August 4, 1984 by President Thomas Sankara to mean "the land of upright people" (or "upright land") in Mossi and Dioula, the major native languages of the country. Independence from France came in 1960. Governmental instability during the 1970s and 1980s was followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Several hundred thousand farm workers migrate south every year to Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana in search of paid labour. The inhabitants of Burkina Faso are known as Burkinabé.

On September 4, 1947 Upper-Volta was recreated with its 1932 boundaries. On December 11, 1958, it achieved self-government, and became a republic and member of the Franco-African Community (La Communauté Franco-Africaine). Full independence was attained in 1960. The country's first military coup occurred in 1966; it returned to civilian rule in 1978. There was another coup, led by Saye Zerbo in 1980, which in turn was overthrown in 1982. A counter-coup was launched in 1983, which left Captain Thomas Sankara in charge. The current president is Blaise Compaoré, who came to power in 1987 after a coup d'état that killed Thomas Sankara.

The average altitude is 400 m (1,300 ft) and the difference between the highest and lowest terrain is no greater than 600 m (2,000 ft). Burkina Faso is therefore a relatively flat country, with a very few localised exceptions.

Cultural notes about Burkina Faso

Two key elements of the culture of Burkina Faso are masks and dancing. The masks used in this region are made for producing sacrifices to the gods and animal spirits around the peoples' villages, to show them they are wanting to be blessed by these spirits.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Burkina Faso

You should exercise extreme caution when travelling near the border region with Côte d'Ivoire because of the current security situation in that country and the resulting refugee movements. Overland travel to Abidjan from Burkina Faso should not be attempted.

Armed banditry, especially at night occurs. Crime, scams, and theft from hotel rooms occasionally occur, particularly in Bobo Dioulasso and Ouagadougou. Purse snatching and sometimes muggings are reported in areas around the United Nations traffic circle and the central market. Carjackings have also been reported in the south (near the Togo, Niger and Benin borders) as well as the northern part of the country, but mostly after dark. Petty crime occurs to a lesser degree elsewhere in the country. Ensure your personal belongings, passport, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence and avoid walking alone after dark.

You should generally exercise caution, monitor local news reports, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Travellers should always carry a legally certified photocopy of their passport's identification page.