Burkina Faso: flag, capital, currency and history
Burkina Faso is a country in Western Africa, Africa. Its capital is Ouagadougou. The currency is the West African CFA franc. Languages spoken include French.
Quick facts about Burkina Faso
- Official name
- Burkina Faso
- Capital
- Ouagadougou
- Region
- Africa, Western Africa
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF, Fr)
- Languages
- French
- Calling code
- +226
- Internet domain
- .bf
- Area
- 272,967 km² (105,393 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Burkinabe
- National day
- Republic Day, December 11
Flag of Burkina Faso
Download the flag of Burkina Faso as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇧🇫.
History of Burkina Faso
The Mossi kingdoms, notably Wagadugu and Yatenga, were long-standing political powers on the plateau of what is now Burkina Faso. France conquered the region in the 1890s, and it was administered as part of French West Africa, with the colony of Upper Volta created in 1919. Upper Volta gained independence on 5 August 1960. The country experienced several coups in the following decades. In 1984 its name was changed to Burkina Faso, meaning land of upright people, under Thomas Sankara. The country is now a landlocked republic in the Sahel.
Key dates
- 1890sFrance conquers the Mossi kingdoms and neighbouring territories.
- 1919The colony of Upper Volta is created within French West Africa.
- 1960Upper Volta becomes independent on 5 August.
- 1983Thomas Sankara takes power in a coup.
- 1984The country is renamed Burkina Faso.
- 1987Sankara is killed in a coup led by Blaise Compaore.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso uses the West African CFA franc (XOF, Fr). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Burkina Faso?
The capital of Burkina Faso is Ouagadougou.
What currency does Burkina Faso use?
Burkina Faso uses the West African CFA franc (XOF, symbol Fr).
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso?
Languages used in Burkina Faso include French.
What is the calling code of Burkina Faso?
The international calling code of Burkina Faso is +226. Its internet domain is .bf.
Which countries border Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso shares land borders with Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Mali, Niger and Togo.
On which continent is Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso is in Africa, in the region of Western Africa.
What is the national day of Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso marks Republic Day on December 11.
Neighbours of Burkina Faso
More countries in Western Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).