One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina Faso has a high population density and a high population growth rate, few natural resources, and a fragile soil.
Economic development is hindered by a poor communications network within a landlocked country.
Agriculture is mainly subsistence farming. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations. Following the Communaute Financiere Africaine currency devaluation on 12 January 1994, exports appear to have risen, but no official figures have been released yet. The government has updated its development program in conjunction with international agencies, yet even with the best of plans, the government faces formidable problems on all sides.