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BURKINA FASO
Location:Western Africa, north of Ghana
Geographic coordinates:13 00 N, 2 00 W
Area:274,200 sq km
Population:13,574,820(July 2004 est)
Ethnic groups: Mossi over 40%, Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani
Languages:French (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population
Economy:One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked Burkina Faso has a high population density, few natural resources, and a fragile soil. About 90% of the population is engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to variations in rainfall. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations. Following the African franc currency devaluation in January 1994 the government updated its development program in conjunction with international agencies, and exports and economic growth have increased. Maintenance of macroeconomic progress depends on continued low inflation, reduction in the trade deficit, and reforms designed to encourage private investment.
Country name:Conventional short form: Burkina Faso
Government type:Parliamentary republic
Capital:Ouagadougou
Administrative divisions:30 provinces; Bam, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houe, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komoe, Kossi, Kouritenga, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Naouri, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Yatenga, Zoundweogo
Independence:5 August 1960 (from France)
Religions: Indigenous beliefs 40%, Muslim 50%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10%
Natural resources: manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony, copper, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silver
7/24/2008
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