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According to localcollegeexplorer, Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation in West Africa bordered by Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. It has an estimated population of 20 million people and its official language is French. Burkina Faso was formerly known as the Republic of Upper Volta and was established in 1958 when it gained independence from France. In 1960, the first president of the country, Maurice Yameogo, took office. He led the country until 1966 when he was overthrown in a military coup led by Sangoule Lamizana which ended civilian rule and brought an authoritarian government to power. Lamizana remained in power until 1980 when he was overthrown by Thomas Sankara who became president of the newly renamed Burkina Faso (meaning “land of upright people”). Sankara instituted a number of progressive reforms during his tenure including providing free education and healthcare to the population as well as encouraging women’s rights and agricultural reform. However his policies were not popular with some members of the military which eventually led to his assassination in 1987 after which Blaise Compaore took power as head of state. Compaore implemented a range of economic reforms during his 27 year tenure that saw GDP growth increase significantly but at a cost to human rights with reports of torture and other abuses by security forces becoming more common during this period. In October 2014 Compaore was forced from power following widespread protests against his attempt to extend his rule beyond two terms through constitutional reform leading to Michel Kafando becoming interim president until elections could be held in November 2015 which saw Roch Marc Christian Kabore become president. Kabore has continued with economic reforms initiated by Compaore while also making efforts to improve human rights within the country but faces considerable challenges due to ongoing security issues particularly in areas bordering Mali where militant groups have been active since 2012 leading to thousands being displaced from their homes due to conflict or fear for their safety. Despite these difficulties Burkina Faso is slowly making progress towards greater stability and prosperity for its citizens with increased foreign investment helping drive growth within key sectors such as agriculture, mining and telecommunications over recent years offering hope for a better future for all those living there. In 2010, Burkina Faso was a landlocked country located in West Africa. It had a population of roughly 16 million people, most of whom were concentrated in the rural areas. The country had been independent from France since 1960 and was slowly developing its own distinct culture and national identity. The economy of Burkina Faso in 2010 relied heavily on agriculture and livestock production, with cotton, sorghum, millet, corn, and peanuts being its principal exports. Manufacturing played a much smaller role in the economy but still provided jobs for some people in the form of food processing, textiles, and metal working. Despite its economic progress since independence, Burkina Faso remained one of the poorest countries in the world due to poverty and low levels of education among its population. In 2010 only 33% of the population had access to basic health care services while only 19% had access to safe drinking water. Education was also lacking with only 60% of children aged 6-14 attending school regularly. The government worked hard to improve these conditions by providing free primary education and introducing programs to promote economic growth such as microfinance initiatives for small business owners. The political situation in Burkina Faso remained largely stable throughout 2010 but there were still occasional protests against government policies or corruption which highlighted the need for greater transparency from officials at all levels. Despite these challenges, Burkina Faso remained an attractive destination for tourists looking to explore its vibrant culture or experience its unique wildlife such as hippos and elephants that lived along the banks of the Volta River which bisected the country from east to west. Check estatelearning for Burkina Faso in 1999.

Burkina Faso Guide

Burkina Faso Guide

Burkina Faso – country information Country name Burkina Official name Burkina Faso Capital Ouagadougou Continent Africa Area 274,000 km2 Population 17,322,796 (2013) Foundation of a state 8/5/1960 The highest mountains Banfora massif 733 m Longest rivers Black Volta (525 km in the country) State system a pluralist republic with a unicameral parliament The biggest cities Ougadougou (capital) 625,000, Bobo Dioulasso 310,000 Official language French Ethnicity/National Composition Mosi 49%, Manda 9%, others 42% Religious affiliation traditional faith 45%, Muslim 44%, Christian…

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