Burkina Faso is located in Western Africa, and its capital is Ouagadougou. It has a population of approximately 23,548,781 and covers an area of about 274,200 km². Its official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF).
What stands out
People & place
85.9 /km² across 274,200 km²
Burkina Faso has a recorded population of 23,548,781 and a reported surface area of 274,200 km².
Economic snapshot
$23.12 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $23.12 billion and GDP per capita at $982 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Burkina Faso uses West African CFA franc (XOF), calling code +226, internet domain .bf.
About Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation in West Africa, dazzles visitors with its warm hospitality, vibrant markets, and a tapestry of cultures woven from over 60 ethnic groups.
The country sits on the gentle slopes of the Guinean savanna, featuring the rugged sandstone cliffs of the Banfora Cascades, the sweeping grasslands of the Mossi Plateau, and the seasonal waters of the Niger River’s tributaries that shape its agricultural heartland.
Burkinabé culture bursts to life in rhythmic drumming, colorful festivals such as the annual FESPACO film celebration, and a cuisine rich in millet, sorghum, and spicy sauces, where dishes like tô and ragout garnished with fresh peanuts reflect both tradition and creativity.
In 1960, Upper Volta gained independence from France and, in 1984, renamed itself Burkina Faso—meaning “land of upright people”—under the revolutionary leadership of Thomas Sankara, whose policies emphasized self‑reliance and social justice.
Key facts
Burkina Faso is one of the world’s top producers of shea butter, a key ingredient in cosmetics and food.
Population (2023 estimate): roughly 22 million; total area: about 274,200 km².
The country has a youthful demographic, with over 60% of its citizens under the age of 25.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Burkina Faso has a recorded population of approximately 23,548,781 people.
How big is Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso covers an area of about 274,200 km².
What is the population density of Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has a population density of roughly 85.9 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $23.12 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has a GDP per capita of approximately $982.
What currency is used in Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), with the symbol CFA.
Where is Burkina Faso located?
Burkina Faso is located in Western Africa, Africa.
What are people from Burkina Faso called?
People from Burkina Faso are referred to as Burkinabe.
What is the phone calling code for Burkina Faso?
The international dialing code for Burkina Faso is +226.
What is the internet domain for Burkina Faso?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Burkina Faso is .bf.
What time zone is Burkina Faso in?
Burkina Faso uses the Africa/Ouagadougou time zone.
What is Burkina Faso known for?
Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation in West Africa, dazzles visitors with its warm hospitality, vibrant markets, and a tapestry of cultures woven from over 60 ethnic groups.
Western Africa