Geography

Burkina Faso Elephants along Mouhoun River

Photo: Yvan Perré (IRD)

Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world with few natural resources. Some 90% of its 13 million population are engaged in subsistence farming. It has a land area of 274,200 km2 with a tropical climate of warm, dry winters and hot, wet summers. The terrain is mostly flat with undulating plains and the height above sea level varies from some 200 to 750m.

Burkina Faso Sahelian Steppe

Photo: Yvan Perré (IRD)

This landlocked savanna is cut by the three principal rivers: the Black, Red, and White Voltas. The official language is French and native African languages belonging to the Sudanic family are spoken by 90% of the population. More details can be found at CIA Factbook.