Capital
Ouagadougou
Region
Africa
Population
24,070,553
Area (km²)
272,967
Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African nation with a population of around 24 million, spans 272,967 km² and is centered around its bustling capital, Ouagadougou. Known for its gold mining and cotton exports, the country grapples with economic hurdles (GDP data unavailable) amid political instability and jihadist threats. Despite challenges, it boasts a rich cultural tapestry influenced by diverse ethnic groups like the Mossi.
Despite a low GDP per capita of $873.48, Burkina Faso reported a remarkably low inflation rate of 0.743% in 2023. This stability in prices is unusual for a developing economy, especially one facing significant economic and social challenges, and could indicate either effective monetary policy or subdued demand.
Burkina Faso exhibits characteristics of a very young population, with a high fertility rate of 4.19 children per woman. This demographic trend, combined with a relatively low life expectancy of 61.09 years, suggests significant pressure on future resources and social services, while also indicating a large proportion of young dependents.
Burkina Faso faces a substantial challenge in human development, evidenced by a literacy rate of only 41.442%. This low educational attainment is coupled with a high infant mortality rate of 44.800 per 1,000 live births, highlighting critical needs in both education and public health infrastructure.
Only 21.700% of Burkina Faso's population has access to electricity, which is a significant barrier to economic development and quality of life. This low access rate impacts everything from education and healthcare to industrial growth and household well-being, especially given the country's low urbanization rate.
GDP (Current US$)
$20.11B
Year: 2023
GDP Per Capita
$873.48
GDP Growth (%)
3%
Inflation (%)
0.74%
Unemployment (%)
5.35%
Debt to GDP (%)
61.93%
Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025
Wikipedia
Comprehensive encyclopedia article
Grokipedia
AI-powered encyclopedia search
Google Search
Latest news and information
Google News
Latest news coverage for Burkina Faso
CIA World Factbook
Official intelligence data
BBC News
Trusted news and analysis
UN Data
Official United Nations statistics
World Bank Data
Economic and development indicators