Burkina Faso
Country Flag Details: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; red recalls the country’s struggle for independence, green is for hope and abundance, and yellow represents the country’s mineral wealth note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Background Burkina Faso achieved independence from
France in 1960. Repeated military coups
have been the norm for much of the
country’s history. Terrorism, recurring
drought, food insecurity, and poverty are
among Burkina Faso’s ongoing problems.
Geography
Area
total : 274,200 sq km
land: 273,800 sq km
water: 400 sq km
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 a small area of hot desert in the very north of the country
bordering the Sahara Desert.
Natural resources
gold, manganese, zinc, limestone, marble,
phosphates, pumice, salt
People and Society
Population
total: 23,042,199
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.)
Language 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.)
Population growth rate
2.4% (2024 est.)
Government type
presidential republic
Capital name: Ouagadougou
Executive branch
chief of state: Transitional President Capt. Ibrahim TRAORE (since 30 September 2022)
head of government: Prime Minister Joachim KYLEM DE TAMBELA (since 21 October 2022)
Economy
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$57.152 billion (2023 est.)
$55.508 billion (2022 est.)
$54.69 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita $2,500 (2023 est.)
$2,500 (2022 est.)
$2,500 (2021 est.)
Exports
$5.814 billion (2022 est.)
$6.234 billion (2021 est.)
$5.356 billion (2020 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
$6.761 billion (2022 est.)
$5.835 billion (2021 est.)
$4.779 billion (2020 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)
Export structure by product group in 2023(UNCTAD)
Population in poverty and vulnerable employment (World Bank)
In 2023, approximately 71 percent of total employment in Burkina Faso was categorized as vulnerable, a term that highlights work marked by inadequate job security, meager wages, and a significant lack of social protections, including health insurance, pensions, and established labor rights. This vulnerable employment sector is largely composed of own-account workers, who are self-employed individuals without a formal workforce, encompassing street vendors and small-scale agriculturalists, alongside contributing family workers who engage in family-run businesses or farms without receiving any formal compensation. Such jobs are often informal and unstable, lacking essential benefits that would provide some level of security, which places these workers at an increased risk of economic instability, exploitation, and pervasive poverty. The precarious nature of these positions further exacerbates their vulnerability to external economic shocks and underscores the urgent need for improved labor conditions and protective measures in the workforce.
Understanding Poverty Level The poverty level at $2.15 per day
In 2021, 25 percent of the population in Burkina Faso lived in poverty at $2.15 per day. The poverty level at $2.15 per day (measured in 2017 purchasing power parity, or PPP) is a key global benchmark used by the World Bank to define extreme poverty in low-income countries. It indicates:
Basic Survival Threshold
People living below $2.15 per day struggle to afford essential needs such as food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and education.
Economic Underdevelopment
A high percentage of a country’s population living below this threshold suggests low economic productivity, high unemployment, and weak social safety nets.
Inequality and Social Vulnerability
It reflects deep income inequality and a lack of access to opportunities for upward mobility.
People in this category are more vulnerable to shocks like food price increases, climate disasters, or health crises.
Policy Challenges
Governments need targeted interventions such as social welfare programs, job creation, and improved access to education and healthcare to reduce poverty.
A country's export structure is a reflection of its level of development and its productive capacities
The export structure of a country refers to the composition, diversity, and value of the goods and services it sells to other countries. It provides key insights into the country’s economic health, competitiveness, and level of development. Productive capacities of a country refer to its ability to produce goods and services efficiently and sustainably over time. These capacities are shaped by various factors, including human capital, natural resources, infrastructure, private sector, development, technology & innovation, institutions & governance, financial systems trade & market access.
Here’s what the export structure and productive capacities of a country typically indicate:
- Level of Economic Development
- Developed economies usually export high-value manufactured goods, technology, and services.
- Developing economies often rely on raw materials, agricultural products, or low-value manufactured goods.
- Industrial and Sectoral Strengths
- A strong presence of high-tech or industrial goods (e.g., machinery, electronics) suggests a well-developed manufacturing sector.
- A dominance of commodities (e.g., oil, minerals, agricultural products) indicates reliance on natural resources.
- Export Diversification
- A diverse export base (multiple industries) makes a country’s economy more stable and resilient to global price shocks.
- A concentrated export base (few key products) makes it vulnerable to market fluctuations.
- Trade Partnerships and Dependence
- If exports are heavily dependent on a single country or region, the economy is more exposed to geopolitical and trade risks.
- A wide range of trading partners indicates stronger global integration.
- Competitiveness and Value Addition
- Exporting mainly raw materials (e.g., crude oil instead of refined petroleum) suggests limited industrial processing capacity.
- A high share of finished and high-tech goods suggests strong value addition and competitiveness.
Burkina Faso-Sanitation
Burkina Faso – Proportion of population served with at least basic sanitation
In 2022, proportion of population served with at least basic sanitation for Burkina Faso was 24.8 %. Proportion of population served with at least basic sanitation of Burkina Faso increased from 10.2 % in 2000 to 24.8 % in 2022, an absolute change of 14.6 percentage points (pp) between 2000 and 2022.
Burkina Faso- Proportion of urban population served with at least basic sanitation facilities
In 2022, proportion of urban population served with at least basic sanitation for Burkina Faso was 42.2 %. Proportion of urban population served with at least basic sanitation of Burkina Faso declined from 47.8 % in 2000 to 42,2 % in 2022, a decrease of 5.6pp between 2000 and 2022.
Burkina Faso – Proportion of rural population served with at least basic sanitation facilities
In 2022, proportion of rural population served with at least basic sanitation for Burkina Faso was 16.6%. Proportion of rural population served with at least basic sanitation of Burkina Faso increased from 2.0 % in 2000 to 16.6 % in 2022, and absolute change of 14.6pp between 2000 and 2022.
Burkina Faso-Access to basic Sanitation(% of the total population): A Global Perspective
Burkina Faso is grappling with a critical challenge regarding unsafe sanitation, resulting in the unfortunate loss of numerous lives annually and creating a cycle of poverty and illness that is difficult to break. Adequate sanitation is not merely a basic necessity, but it is also a fundamental human right that should be available to everyone in society, regardless of their circumstances. In 2022, only 24.8 percent of Burkina Faso’s population had access to at least basic sanitation facilities, underscoring a substantial deficiency in the country’s public health infrastructure and highlighting the urgent need for improvement. In stark contrast, nations such as China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam reported access rates ranging from 88.2 percent to 99 percent, demonstrating what can be achieved through focused efforts and investment. The demand for safe sanitation exceeds mere statistics; it is essential for health, dignity, and overall well-being. A lack of a safe sanitation can impact education, economic productivity, and social stability. These alarming figures underscore the pressing need for collaborative action to promote sustainable governance and inclusive strategies that guarantee safe sanitation for all individuals throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering a healthier and more equitable future for generations to come.
Burkina Faso-Access to basic sanitation (% of the rural population): A Global Perspective
Many individuals in the rural areas of Burkina Faso endure the profound struggle of living without basic sanitation, a reality that significantly impacts their daily lives and overall well-being. This persistent issue highlights the urgent need for safe sanitation as a fundamental human right that everyone deserves, irrespective of their geographical location. In 2022, only 16.6 percent of the rural population had access to basic sanitation, a stark contrast to the 94.9 percent in Sri Lanka, 98.4 percent in Thailand, and 88.4 percent in Vietnam. These disheartening figures serve as a powerful reminder that we must unite in our efforts to advocate for better sanitation infrastructure, consistently prioritizing the health, dignity, and welfare of every person. Our collective determination to address these disparities is essential for nurturing sustainable development, ensuring that every community can access the sanitation it genuinely deserves and requires for thriving. Together, we can work towards a future where safe sanitation is not merely a hope but a tangible reality for all, thereby enhancing the quality of life for the rural population in Burkina Faso and fostering a healthier environment for generations to come.
Burkina Faso-Water Supply
Burkina Faso – Proportion of population served with at least basic drinking water
In 2022, proportion of population served with at least basic water for Burkina Faso was 49.5 %. Proportion of population served with at least basic water of Burkina Faso decreased from 57.6 % in 2000 to 49.5% in 2022 , an absolute change of 8.1pp between 2000 and 2022.
Burkina Faso- Proportion of urban population served with at least basic water
In 2022, proportion of urban population served with at least basic water for Burkina Faso was 80.9%. Proportion of urban population served with at least basic water of Burkina Faso increased gradually from 78.6% in 2000 to 80.9% in 2022, an absolute change of 2.3 pp between 2000 and 2022.
Burkina Faso – Proportion of rural population served with at least basic water
In 2022, proportion of rural population served with at least basic water for Burkina Faso was 34.8 %. Proportion of rural population served with at least basic water of Burkina Faso fell from 52.9% in 2000 to 34.8 % in 2022 an absolute change of 18.1pp between 2000 and 2022.
Burkina Faso- Proportion of the total population served with at least basic drinking water: A Global Perspective
As of 2022, it is disheartening to note that only about 49.5% of Burkina Faso’s population had access to at least basic drinking water services, a decrease from 57.6% in 2000, highlighting a troubling trend in water accessibility. In stark contrast, countries such as South Korea and Thailand have achieved the remarkable milestone of 100% access to safe drinking water, underscoring the vital importance of this essential resource to every individual across the globe. The gap in water access is not merely a statistic; it reflects the profound struggles many communities endure daily, significantly impacting their health, education, and overall quality of life. We must recognize these inequalities and commit to working together to create sustainable solutions, while building the necessary infrastructure that ensures reliable access to clean water for every person, fostering better health and development outcomes. These troubling figures highlight the urgent need for collective action, urging us to cultivate sustainable governance and implement inclusive initiatives that provide safe drinking water for all people throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, so no community is left behind in the pursuit of fundamental human rights.
Burkina Faso-Proportion of the rural population with at least basic drinking water: A Global Perspective
As of 2022, only 34.8 percent of Burkina Faso’s rural population had access to at least basic drinking water, representing a significant decline from 52.9 percent in 2000. This alarming downward trend effectively highlights the profound inequalities in water access when juxtaposed with countries like Vietnam, where the right to safe drinking water is embraced as a fundamental human right. The persistent gap in access to water services underscores an urgent need for the enhancement of infrastructure and the strategic allocation of essential resources to guarantee that every individual, irrespective of their geographical location, has the means to obtain vital services. These pronounced disparities in water availability create challenges that countless communities encounter daily, severely impacting their health, educational opportunities, and overall quality of life. We must unite to confront these critical issues, working collectively towards a future that truly champions health and equity for all rural communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Burkina Faso-Access to Electricity
Burkina Faso-Access to electricity (% of population)
In 2022, proportion of population with access to electricity for Burkina Faso was 19.6%. The proportion of population with access to electricity of Burkina Faso increased from 9.1% in 2000 to 19.6% in 2022, an absolute change of 10.5 pp between 2000 and 2022.
Burkina Faso-Access to Electricity (% urban population)
In 2022, proportion of urban population with access to electricity for Burkina Faso was 60.5%. The proportion of urban population with access to electricity of Burkina Faso increased from 40.4% % in 2000 to 60.5% in 2022, an absolute change of 20.1 pp between 2000 and 2022
Burkina Faso-Access to electricity (% rural population)
In 2022, proportion of rural population with access to electricity for Burkina Faso was 3.4%. The proportion of rural population of Burkina Faso with access to electricity increased from 1.6 % in 2000 to 3.4 % in 2022, an absolute change of 1.8pp between 2000 and 2022.
Burkina Faso-Access to electricity (% population): A Global Perspective
In the year 2022, only 19.6 percent of Burkina Faso’s population had access to electricity, reflecting a significant increase from the 9.1 percent reported in 2000. This progress, while commendable, underscores that Burkina Faso remains significantly behind many nations in this essential sector, highlighting an urgent need for continued investment and innovation. Countries such as Thailand and South Korea have achieved complete electricity access at 100 percent, with Vietnam and Bangladesh nearing 99 percent, illustrating the potential for rapid advancements when resources and commitment align. Access to electricity transcends mere convenience; it is a fundamental factor in the fight against poverty and a crucial catalyst for economic development that enables education, enhances healthcare, and fosters entrepreneurship. On a global scale, the share of people with electricity access has seen marked improvements, decreasing from 20 percent in 2000 to under 10 percent today, particularly in low and middle-income nations, yet numerous Sub-Saharan African countries, including Burkina Faso continues to grapple with significant challenges such as infrastructure deficits, financial constraints, and regulatory hurdles that obstruct their pursuit of universal electricity access for all citizens, creating an urgent call for a collective effort to address these pressing issues.
Burkina Faso-Access to electricity, rural (% rural population): A Global Perspective
Access to electricity is not merely a matter of convenience; it represents a vital lifeline that possesses the extraordinary potential to change lives, elevate entire communities from the cycle of poverty, and nurture sustainable economic growth. Understanding how electricity penetrates various populations is essential for evaluating our collective social and economic advancement. In recent decades, we have observed significant progress in global electricity access, particularly within low and middle-income countries, driven by concerted efforts and innovations. Yet, the journey towards universal electricity access remains riddled with obstacles. For countless individuals, particularly those in rural regions, the dream of reliable electricity remains elusive. As of 2022, a mere 3.4 percent of the rural population in Burkina Faso had electrical access, a slight improvement from 2.3 percent in 2000, which places the nation substantially behind its peers. For instance, rural communities in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and China benefit from a significant achievement of comprehensive electricity access. This glaring imbalance highlights the pressing need for united efforts and support, ensuring that every individual can realize the profound and transformative benefits that electricity can provide in their everyday lives.
Burkina Faso-Heath outcomes
Burkina Faso-Life expectancy: A Global Perspective
When examining life expectancy trends over the past seventy years, it is abundantly clear that while many countries around the globe have made remarkable strides in extending longevity, Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced only limited advancements in this area. In 1950, the global average life expectancy for newborns was 47 years, and this figure rose significantly to 71 years by 2021, reflecting a worldwide improvement in health conditions. In the case of Burkina Faso, life expectancy has increased from just 36 years in 1960 to 60 years in 2022, highlighting the persistent challenges this nation faces in terms of healthcare accessibility and overall quality of life for its citizens. In stark contrast, nations such as South Korea have undergone a dramatic transformation, with life expectancy soaring from a mere 21 years in 1950 to an impressive 83 years by 2022. Similarly, the Maldives has witnessed a significant rise in life expectancy, improving from 39 years in 1960 to 81 years in 2022, emphasizing the stark disparities in health outcomes observed worldwide and the urgent necessity to address these inequalities to promote the well being of citizens across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Burkina Faso-Mortality rate, under-5 (per 1,000 live births): A Global Perspective
Since 1950, there has been a remarkable global decline in child mortality rates, a change driven by a combination of factors including improved living conditions, greater access to healthcare services, enhanced nutrition, and the availability of safe drinking water. In affluent nations across Europe and America, child mortality rates have dramatically decreased to below four percent, reflecting the effectiveness of public health initiatives and economic stability. Over the past seventy years, numerous developing countries in South America, Asia, and Africa have also made significant strides in reducing child mortality, although progress has been slower in many countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. For instance, Burkina Faso has seen its child mortality rate drop from a staggering 239 per 1,000 live births in 1980 to 78.8 per 1,000 live births in 2022, marking a notable achievement amidst various challenges. In stark contrast, Bangladesh has accomplished an extraordinary reduction in child mortality, with figures declining from 206 in 1980 to just 29 in 2022, showcasing the profound impact of focused health interventions and public health policies. Overall, the global child mortality rate has plummeted from 22.7 percent in 1950 to an impressive 3.6 percent in 2023, highlighting the vital importance of sustained efforts to enhance health outcomes for children, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the need for continued progress remains critical.
Burkina Faso-Maternal Mortality ratio ( per 100,000 live births): A Global Perspective
In the following statistics, we present a sobering overview of the annual occurrences of pregnancy-related fatalities, meticulously categorized by region and country, which underscores an urgent and alarming trend that deeply affects countless families. The data clearly indicates that a significant proportion of these tragic deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region grappling with not only high birth rates but also devastatingly elevated maternal mortality rates that exacerbate the hardships faced by communities. For instance, in Burkina Faso, the number of maternal deaths decreased from 506 in 2000 to 264 in 2020, highlighting the critical need for improved healthcare interventions and robust support systems that can address these challenges more effectively. In stark contrast, countries such as Bangladesh and Indonesia have made remarkable advancements in reducing their maternal mortality ratios, with Bangladesh experiencing a dramatic decrease from 441 in 2000 to just 123 in 2020, India achieving a substantial reduction from 384 in 2000 to 103 in 2020, and Indonesia lowering its maternal deaths from 299 in 2000 to 173 in 2020. These examples not only illustrate the potential for meaningful progress but also serve as powerful reminders of the transformative impact that can be achieved when effective healthcare strategies are thoughtfully implemented and prioritized, ultimately saving lives and fostering healthier communities.
