Gained independence from France in 1960. The official language is French. 220 volts AC, 50Hz. 2-pin plugs are standard. There are limited facilities outside Ouagadougou.
Main hotels have facilities.
There are few post offices, but stamps can often be bought at hotels. Poste Restante facilities are available but a charge is made for letters collected. There is no local delivery, and all other mail must be addressed to a box number. Airmail to Europe takes up to two weeks. The main daily newspapers are Sidwaya, L'Observateur Paalga and Le Pays .