Why the name: Burkina Faso? | African Heritage African Heritage Posted by: Dr. Y. | September 12, 2013 Why the name: Burkina Faso? Burkina Faso Flag of Burkina Faso Have you ever wondered about the name of the country Burkina Faso? Why would a country have two names, i.e. Burkina and then Faso? or even simply two names in its history: Upper Volta and then Burkina Faso? Well, the country named Upper Volta was given a new name in 1984 by then President Thomas Sankara , who chose the name Burkina Faso . Flag of Upper Volta Originally, Haute Volta or Upper Volta, was just given by the European colonizer, the French, more as an indicator or geographic pointer, and had no real attachment to the people of that region themselves. Thus Upper Volta was named for the region above the Volta river flowing in the area; the people of that country/area where thus known as the ‘Voltaics’ (Voltaiques in French).

Since the river had three tributaries: the Black Volta, the white Volta, and the red Volta, Upper Volta’s flag also had those three colors. The Volta river also flew into Ghana , which was never known as the ‘Lower Volta’. No wonder the name needed to change, as it had no real meaning! Thomas Sankara a Ouagadougou Well, on 4 August 1984, Thomas Sankara , with his usual charisma and revolutionary spirit, decided to change the country’s name to Burkina Faso. He chose two names after two main languages of the country: the Moore (or Mossi language) and the Dioula . Burkina from Mòoré means ‘men of integrity‘, while Faso in Diouala means ‘fatherland‘. Thus the Burkina Faso is ‘the land of upright people‘ or ‘the land of honest people‘. The people of the country are known as the Burkinabé, where the suffix ‘bé’ comes from the Foufouldé language spoken by the Peulh people (a tribe found in many countries across West Africa), and means ‘men or women’.

Thus, Thomas used three of the main languages in his country to choose a name that was truly representative of the country and its people. Sankara was then addressed as the PF or the President of the Faso. The national cloth made up of woven strips of cotton or silk was called faso dan fani (this will be the subject for another post). Enjoy this video, and travel to Burkina Faso, the land of the upright people. Share this: Burkina - definition of Burkina by The Free Dictionary Burkina - definition of Burkina by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . Burkina Faso Bur·ki·na Fa·so (bər-kē′nə fä′sō) Formerly Up·per Vol·ta (ŭp′ər vŏl′tə, vōl′-, vôl′-) A landlocked country of western Africa. It was a French protectorate from 1896 until 1960, when it gained its independence. The name of the country was officially changed in 1984. Ouagadougou is the capital and the largest city.

Burkina Faso Burkina n (Placename) an inland republic in W Africa: dominated by Mossi kingdoms (10th–19th centuries); French protectorate established in 1896; became an independent republic in 1960; consists mainly of a flat savanna plateau. Official language: French; Mossi and other African languages also widely spoken. Religion: mostly animist, with a large Muslim minority. Currency: franc. Capital: Ouagadougou. Pop: 17 812 961 (2013 est). Area: 273 200 sq km (105 900 sq miles). Former name (until 1984): Upper Volta Bur•ki•na Fa•so (bərˈki nə ˈfɑ soʊ) n. a republic in W Africa: formerly part of French West Africa. 11,575,898; 106,111 sq. mi. (274,827 sq. km). Cap.: Ouagadougou. Formerly, Upper Volta.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Burkina Faso travel guide - Wikitravel Understand[ edit ] Burkina Faso is one of the friendliest and, until recently, one of the safest, countries in all of Africa. Although it receives only a small number of tourists per year, it is an excellent destination for anyone interested in seeing a beautiful West African country and exploring African culture and music. History[ edit ] Until the end of the 19th century, the history of Burkina Faso was dominated by the empire-building Mossi. The French arrived and claimed the area in 1896, but Mossi resistance ended only with the capture of their capital Ouagadougou in 1901. The colony of Upper Volta was established in 1919, but it was dismembered and reconstituted several times until the present borders were recognized in 1947. Independence from France came to Upper Volta, which was renamed Burkina Faso under the leadership of Thomas Sankara, otherwise known as the "Che Guevara" of Africa, in 1984.

Under Sankara's presidency, he initiated one of the most ambitious programmes for social and economic change ever attempted in Africa. In order to achieve his goals, he exerted authoritarian control over the nation, which although was successful in bringing significant economic and social changes to the country, did not protect the country from political troubles and relationships with the West and neighboring countries had significantly deteriorated. In 1987, almost three years into Sankara's presidency, a coup was led by Blaise Compaoré (Sankara's colleague) and executed Sankara along with twelve of his officers. Following the coup Compaoré immediately reversed the nationalizations, overturned nearly all of Sankara's policies, and assumed the presidency. During Compaoré's presidency, things did not improve during his years of office, and the Burkinabe opposition frequently boycotted the elections by alleging that they were rigged. In October 2014, Compaoré fled to Ivory Coast after he had attempted to extend his 27 year presidency, and continues to remain there in exile.

Constant political unrest and troubles, ineffective governance, along with a poor educational system, poor soils and a lack of infrastructure has left Burkina Faso as one of the world's poorest countries. Despite this, the situation appears to be improving under a new government and how far will the new government better the country is open to interpretation. People[ edit ] Burkina Faso's seventeen million people belong to two major West African cultural groups—the Voltaic and the Mande (whose common language is Dioula). The Voltaic Mossi make up about one-half of the population. The Mossi claim descent from warriors who migrated to present-day Burkina Faso from Ghana and established an empire that lasted more than 800 years. Predominantly farmers, the Mossi kingdom is still led by the Mogho Naba, whose court is in Ouagadougou.

While over 60 ethnic groups (and just as many languages) can be found in Burkina, the country may also be divided into these primary ethnic regions: Touareg: Extreme north Peul/Fulani: Far north, just south of the Tourags Gourmantché: East Mossi: Central plateau centred around Ouagadougou and stretching north to Ouahigouya and south to the Ghanaian border Gourounsi: Southern Burkina Faso between Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso Lobi: South-west along the borders with Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire Bobo/Dioula: West centered around Bobo-Dioulasso Senoufo: Southwest along the borders with Mali and Côte d'Ivoire Burkina Faso is an ethnically integrated, secular state. Most of Burkina's people are concentrated in the south and centre of the country, sometimes exceeding 48 per square kilometre (125 mi²). Several hundred thousand farm workers migrate south every year to Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana .

These flows of workers are obviously affected by external events; the civil war in Cote d'Ivoire have meant that hundreds of thousands of Burkinabé returned to Burkina Faso. A plurality of Burkinabé are Muslim, but most also adhere to traditional African religions. The introduction of Islam to Burkina Faso was initially resisted by the Mossi rulers. Christians, both Roman Catholics and Protestants, comprise about 25% of the population, with their largest concentration in urban areas. Few Burkinabé have had formal education. Schooling is in theory free and compulsory until the age of 16, but only about 54% of Burkina's primary school-age children are enrolled in primary school due to actual costs of school supplies and school fees and to opportunity costs of sending a child who could earn money for the family to school. The University of Ouagadougou, founded in 1974, was the country's first institution of higher education. The Polytechnical University in Bobo-Dioulasso was opened in 1995.

The University of Koudougou was founded in 2005 to substitute for the former teachers' training school, Ecole Normale Superieure de Koudougou. Economy[ edit ] 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. Burkina's economy has suffered badly because of political troubles, and because it is so poor, about two thirds of the population are forced to go abroad to find jobs. Burkina imports most of the goods and the resources it consumes. Visa[ edit ] Passport and a visa are required to enter the country.

It may be best to obtain your visa in advance, and make sure that it is allowed for the period you're travelling as, for several reasons including epidemics, tourism is not allowed in the country in some periods. If coming by plane to Ouagadougou, the prices of the visa on entry have increased hugely since October 2013, with single-entry visas costing 94,000 CFA, and multi-entry visas costing 122,000 CFA. Complaints that your embassy website has lower prices will do no good as the notice with the new pricing scheme is signed by the police, and the visa itself even has the price listed on it. It may be cheaper to get the visa in your home country beforehand. Payment is accepted in euros at a reasonable exchange rate, with the single entry visa costing 150€. If coming by land EU and US citizens are able to get a seven day single entry visa for XOF10,000 at the border.

As of 1 Jul 2010, at the border to Ghana at Paga, they increased the price to XOF94,000, payable in cash (and the exchange rate offered at the border was 10-20% lower than market rates). No passport photos were required. They only were able to issue a 90 day visa. 2 passport photos and a yellow fever certificate are required (border crossing at Paga, in July 2010, did not ask for yellow fever certificate). Border police said that COF10,000 visas were still available, but back in Accra. Border police also said that the 90 day visa was convertible at no cost to a 5 year visa for a USA passport in Ouagadougou. Visas may be extended to 3 months multiple entry at the Bureau de Sureté de l'Etat which can be found in most major cities. To get the extension you should arrive before 09:00 (again with 2 passport photographs) and collect your passport again that afternoon.

As of March 2014, the Embassy in Bamako, Mali, issued 90-day multi-entry for 31000CFA (1/3 the border price.) Two photos were required, but they can take them for you at the embassy, 4 for 2500CFA. Pick up the next day. The BF embassy in Washington offers six-month, multiple-entry visas for US$100. US citizens only are eligible for a five-year, multiple-entry visa for US$100. US flights: Brussels Airlines (part of ' Star Alliance ') and Royal Air Maroc offer US flights departing from New York , San Francisco , and Los Angeles and Washington D.C. . Air Burkina is the national carrier and offers a number of flights within West Africa and to Paris. Air Burkina is part of Celestair which also owns stakes in Compagnie Aerienne du Mali and newly created Uganda Airways. Planes are for the most part new and well maintained. Flight times are unreliable but, once in the air, service is good.

Like many African airlines, although flights may indicate only one destination, ie direct flight from Ouagadougou, there are often multiple stops along the way to pick-up and drop-off passengers. Most flights to Burkina with foreign carriers will also stop at Niger's capital, Niamey, just 1 hour away from Ouagadougou, to collect more passengers or disembark others, so expect a 2-hour stopover on the same plane. Upon arrival, you may be asked to prove you've been vaccinated against Yellow Fever if you are travelling from within Africa. Failure to provide proof may result in either being forced to receive the vaccination at the airport, for a fee, or be refused entry into the country. You will be scanned and photographed and finger-digitized upon entry, and upon leaving controls will be even worse. Your baggage and your persona will be checked multiple times prior to boarding, often repeating the same procedure over and over, to the point of nonsense (an officer having just left you, six feet away another, differently attired officer will pick you up repeating the whole procedure once again: hand baggage check, passport check, casual questions, metal detector).

Upon arriving at the airport carousel to claim your luggage, a number of men in uniforms will want to take your luggage out for you. They will expect to receive about 500 CFAs (USD1) per bag (at least from an expat). Unfortunately, it is difficult for them to exchange anything other than a US$20 bill. Euros are a bit easier for them to change, but it is best if you bring exact change in CFAs. By train[ edit ] There is a 517 km railway stretch from Ouagadougou to the Cote d'Ivoire border. Count c. 48 hr a train trip duration from Abidjan to Ouagadougou, and slightly less than 24 hr for the trip duration from Bouake to Banfora. In August 2007, the cost trip from Abidjan to Ouaga was 30,000 CFA, with 5000 CFA more for First Class, which is not always available. By car[ edit ] Even wealthy Burkinabé who own cars do not use them to travel between major cities, but opt for buses instead.

The major routes between Ouagadougou and other cities are in good condition; taxi drivers can be erratic. By bus[ edit ] You can also conveniently take the bus in and out of Burkina to and from the neighbouring countries of Ghana, Mali, and Benin. There are buses and vans (cars) to Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Togo. There is a train service for the Abidjan-Banfora-Bobo-Ouaga route. Hitchhiking is not common. Talk[ edit ] French is the official language; obviously, outside the big cities, most people are not so fluent in French as the city-dwellers. Many African languages of the Sudanic family are widely spoken. The most common language is Mooré. Do not expect to get around with English as in most other parts of the world: West Africa is mainly Francophone, and English is virtually unknown. Most Burkinabè will speak a mixture of French and Dioula dialects among themselves. The more they know each other, the more Dioula will pop up in their talking, and vice-versa.

Among wealthy locals and government/company officials though, only French is spoken, as reverting to Dioula is considered low-class. Beware that the accent and word use in the French spoken in West Africa is quite different to that spoken in France, and can present difficulties if your French is not very strong. See[ edit ][ add listing ] Laongo is home to a variety of sculptures by local and international artists The park's scattered pieces of granite have been transformed into beautiful works of art The Sindou Peaks in Banfora consists of a narrow chain of soft rock that over the years has been eroded into unusual rock formations Festivals[ edit ] Burkina Faso is the home of music in West Africa. Festival International de la Culture Hip Hop (International Festival of Hip Hop Culture)—Ouagadougou & Bobo-Dioulasso; October; Two weeks of Hip Hop performances Festival Jazz (Jazz Festival)—Ouaga & Bobo; April/May; Features big names from around the continent Festival des Masques et des Arts (FESTIMA; Arts & Masks Festival)—Dédougou; March of even-numbered years; Hundreds of troupes of mask dancers from across West Africa perform.

Festival Panafricain du Cinéma (FESPACO;Panafrican Film Festival)—Ouaga; Feb/Mar of odd-numbered years; Africa's largest film festival held every other year brings stars and filmmakers from across the continent. Semaine Nationale de la Culture (National Culture Week)—Bobo; March/April; music, dance, theatre, & masquerades fill the air this week in Bobo Do[ edit ][ add listing ] There is a remarkably rich music scene in Burkina (as well as in the adjoining countries), with lots of reggae, salsa, soukous and traditional orchestras and bands playing in a lot of venues, both well known and hidden. Any local will gladly take you to some events where men and women eat, drink, dance and have a good time in a very safe, almost childlike manner, rather uncommon nowadays in western countries. Starting in Gorom Gorom, you can take a camel ride out into the desert and even sleep out there on the sand. Guides can arrange this for you from Gorom Gorom and it can be expensive if you do not pick your guides carefully. Take warm clothes and good blankets if you plan to sleep in the desert.

Women should bring pants to wear on camels because skirts (especially African pagnes) tend to fall open due to the shape of the saddle. There is a beautiful hike alongside the waterfalls outside of Banfora. The admission price is one or two thousand francs. Be careful not to spend too much time in the water - tourists occasionally catch bilharzia, also known as Schistosomiasis, from swimming in the falls. The locals will tell you that swimming will not make you sick, but it can. Also near Banfora is a lake (more of a pond, actually) where you can take a trip out on a pirogue to see the hippos. Do not expect too much. Often all you see of the hippos is ears sticking up out of the water. Remember, hippos are dangerous animals who do not like being bumped by pirogues that get too close, so be careful. This will cost two or three thousand CFA per person. A couple of hours West of Banfora is Sindou, with the Sindou peaks. These rock formations are somewhat like the North American hoodoos. They are needle-like peaks that have shaped by wind erosion.

The Sindou peaks are a great spot for a short hike or a picnic. A guide is not necessary to find your way around but can tell you many fascinating facts about Senoufo culture and the time when the village, which is now at the base of the peaks, used to be located up on the plateau. Look out for the thorn plants on the plateau - the Senoufo imported them from Mali to use the thorns to make poisoned arrows. Admission is 1000 CFA. You will need to give the guide a tip. Buy fabric and get an African outfit made. In Ouagadougou, you will pay 3750 CFA for "three pagnes" of fabric. You can then take this to a tailor and have three items made - for women this is usually a shirt and skirt then a length of fabric left over to make a wrap-around skirt. Men can have shirts made. The going rate for a woman's outfit and skirt is 3500 CFA. Fancier models and embroidery will cost extra, as much as 20,000 CFA if you want elaborate embroidery.

See the crocodiles at one of the crocodile lakes outside of Ouaga, on the road to Bobo-Dioulasso. Explore the mud mosque in Bobo-Dioulasso. An Imam's son can serve as your guide. Remove your shoes at the entrance. Dress modestly. Women should be prepared to cover their heads, although this is not always requested. You will need to pay admission (1000 CFA), give a tip to the guide and give a tip to the kid who guards your shoes while you are inside. Explore the elaborate mosques in Bani, near Dori on the road to Ouaga. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Good markets exist in Bobo Dioulasso, Dori, Gorom-Gorom, Ouahigouya and Ouagadougou. Bargaining in traditional marketplaces is recommended. Purchases include wooden statuettes, bronze models, masks, worked skins from the tannery in Ouagadougou, jewellery, fabrics, hand-woven blankets and leather goods and crafts ranging from chess sets to ashtrays. The Grande Marché in Bobo Dioulasso is a much smaller and less cramped market.

The Village Artisanal near the SIAO centre in the ring road of Ouagadougou has lots of arts & craft shops where you can conveniently find all sorts of very nice objects such as traditional clothing, sandals, costume jewellery, furniture items, decoratives, and much more to buy at slightly higher but still very reasonable prices. There is an exchange office close to the gate where you can also withdraw money from your card. Keep the receipts for any art you buy, as they need to be presented upon exit at the gate. Currency[ edit ] As in seven other independent West African countries, the currency of Burkina Faso is the franc of the Communauté Financière Africaine (CFA), symbolised as XOF. It's fixed relative to the euro: €1 = XOF655.957. In Jan 2015, USD1 = XOF585 Credit cards are rarely accepted, but cash may be withdrawn with a card at certain banks in all major towns (Ouaga, Bobo, Banfora, Dori, and Ouahigouya are confirmed).

In general, most bank machines will accept only VISA cards, with a PIN or a CarteBleu. However, the ATMs of Banque Atlantique in Ouagadougou will accept MasterCard so look for those if you want to withdraw cash with your MasterCard. Make sure you have a PIN for your credit card in order to access money from the bank machines. Travellers' cheques (better luck in euros than in dollars) can usually be cashed at local banks in Ouaga and Bobo, but with large change fees. For the cost of $5.00 you can send yourself or others a Moneygram to get money in country. If you don't use it, you can cancel the Moneygram and get your money back. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Any run-of-the-mill Burkinabé restaurant will most certainly have one or all of the following: Riz Gras = Rice cooked in flavored stock, often with onion. Sometimes served with extra sauce on top, but not a given. Somtimes served with a chunk of meat, or fish.

it is a very small-grain rice, very similar to couscous, and prepared in a likewise manner Riz Sauce or Riz Tomate = Pretty self-explanatory. White rice usually served with a tomato or peanut sauce. Tô = a millet or corn flour based jello-like dish served with a sauce. Sauces commonly are okra-based (fr. "sauce gumbo" - tends to be on the viscous-side), peanut-based (fr. "sauce arachide"), baobab-leaf-based (not bad tasting, but very slimy), or sorrel-based (fr. "oseille", another green-leaf, a little sour). You eat this dish by breaking off some tô with a spoon (or, if you want to go local and your hands are washed, use your finger - just remember to use always the right hand, as the left hand is considered "unclean" because it is used for bathroom purposes) and dipping it into the sauce. Difficult to eat for a non-local as it tastes sour and slimy. Definitely an an acquired taste. FuFu = a pizza-dough-like ball of starch served with a sauce.

Made by pounding boiled ignames (sort of a super-sized version of a yucca-potato hybrid). The sauce is usually tomato-based. Eaten in the same manner as tô. Ragout d'Igname = boiled igname in a tomato sauce. Spaghetti = Usually spaghetti is served au gras as opposed to spaghetti sauce. Haricots verts = Green-beans, usually from a can, with tomato sauce Petits pois = Green peas, usually from a can, with tomato sauce Soupe = usually chicken (fr. "poulet"), guinea fowl (fr. "pintade") or fish (fr. "poisson") Salade = a salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber and onion with a mayonnaise-based dressing (mayo, vinegar, salt, pepper) A Burkina speciality is "Poulet Telévisé" aka televised chicken, or roast chicken, since many locals say if you watch the roaster it is like watching TV!

Snacks: Beignets = (mooré samsa) fried bean flour Fried ignames, patate douce (sweet potato french fries) Alloco = Bbq'd plantains Brochettes = bbq'd meat sticks, or liver, or tripe, or intestines Porc au four = baked greasy pork bits served with hot sauce (fr. "piment"), salt, and if you are lucky, mustard. Best enjoyed with a Flag beer (to make "champagne", add some tonic) Gateau = fried dough. Comes in all sorts of varieties, best when fresh. Bisap = hibiscus leaf cold sweet tea, sometimes enhanced with mint and/or ginger (25-50 CFA) Yamoku, or Gingembre = sweet ginger drink (25-50 CFA) Toédo, or Pain de singe = sweet and "smoothie-like" in texture. Made from baobab fruit. Yoghurt = sweet dégué = yoghurt mixed with millet balls, sometimes couscous. Dolo = millet beer. Brakina = national Burkina beer, decent and light.

Beaufort = a superior beer also made in Burkina. Learn[ edit ] Burkina is a great country if you are interested in learning West African drumming. Bobo-Dioulasso, the second largest city, is perhaps the best place to learn to drum. Work[ edit ] If you are interested in helping to save lives in Western Africa then Burkina Faso, hit by severe drought and poverty in the last decade, would be ideal for a charity-holiday. Medical staff are also sorely needed, so any volunteering doctors would be greeted warmly. The Peace Corps is active in Burkina Faso and constitutes a large proportion of the Americans living in this country. Stay safe[ edit ] Burkina Faso is one of safest countries in West Africa. However, be aware of thieves in the big city. Violent assault is rare. Pickpockets and purse snatchers are something to watch out for in big cities, especially in Ouagadougou, where it is recommended not to carry a bag with you when at all possible. The common, cheap green taxis in the big city can sometimes host thieves. Hold on to your purse, and keep your money safely tucked away.

If you want to carry around a camera or other item that requires a bag, it is often safer to put it in one of the ubiquitous black "sachets" (plastic bags) that you get when you purchase something in a store, so that potential thieves will assume there's nothing of great value inside. Even in the capital's streets there are very few beggars, if any, compared to other African countries, and when you do encounter them, they are remarkably un-insisting and will walk away after a simple "No". You should always take precautions when travelling, but Burkina is a remarkably safe and respectful country. Women travellers rarely experience any problems. Foreigners, especially white foreigners, frequently attract significant attention, but the interest is mainly an attempt to sell you tourist items or overpriced goods. Indeed, the Burkinabé will show more patience and friendliness to the foreigner than to another Burkinabé, be it in a small village or in a big city. There was a violent altercation between military and police in Dec 2006. Members from involved parties made it a point to advise foreigners on the street that they should find shelter and stay out of harm's way.

The problem was resolved quickly and no foreigners came to any harm. Stay healthy[ edit ] Yellow fever vaccination required. Malaria is a serious problem, so be sure to begin take prophylaxis prior to leaving for Burkina and continue taking it while there and often for some time after returning home. Cholera vaccination may be required in event of outbreak. Meningitis is also a problem, and vaccination is highly suggested. Typhoid fever is common, as are other water and food-borne diseases such as E coli. Typhoid vaccination is recommended but it is not 100% effective so it is still important to take precautions. The water is NOT safe to drink, especially outside the big cities where untreated well water is often the norm. Buy bottled water, and bring a water filter for emergency use if you're planning on spending time in any villages. In Burkina you will often find little plastic soft "bags" of mineral water rather than plastic bottles. Respect[ edit ] You will observe the Burkinabé exchange greetings in what appears to be a shared prayer or ritual.

Literally, all they are saying is "good morning, how's the family, how's work, how's your health..." Greeting is a very important part of Burkinabé culture, and the only thing you really need to do here is to make an instant friend. Ignoring someone and not greeting him or her, however, is taken far more seriously than in western cultures. It is virtually a slap in the face to ignore someone that has greeted you, or to not greet at all. Foreigners can probably get away with being "cold" and "unfriendly" in some settings, but it is a good idea to greet everyone you pass by. Remember to always use your right hand when eating, greeting, offering gifts, paying for items, etc. This is true in both Muslim and Christian regions, as the left hand is used throughout the country in conjunction with water in place of toilet paper. The ubiquitous coloured plastic teapots are filled with water and carried to the bathroom for "wiping." Women are often targets of extra attention from men, but catcalls and unwanted advances are not appropriate in Burkina, so don't be afraid to refuse this attention. In general, people are very respectful to women and foreigners.

You will very rarely see people scantily dressed, barechested or barefooted in Burkina. It is a conservative country and men will most often wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed shoes even in scorching heat. Women will not be seen with short skirts or very high heels except in some Ouaga night clubs. Shorts are also not common. However women, even poor ones, will always be coiffed and well-kept, manicured and pedicured, and men are well dressed as well. You rarely encounter squalor or excessive misery in Burkina. Burkinabe - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage Burkinabe ALTERNATE NAMES: (former) Upper Voltans LOCATION: Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) POPULATION: 10.6 million LANGUAGE: French; Gur Group (Niger-Congo family of languages) RELIGION: Islam; traditional religions; Christianity 1 • INTRODUCTION Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in Africa, and one that Americans know the least about. Until 1984, it was known as Upper Volta.

Its new name was created from the combined words of three different languages to mean "country of upright or incorruptible men." The shorter form, Burkina, is often used. Burkinabe is the name for the country's citizens. Burkina Faso was one of the last parts of Africa to be conquered by Europeans. The French claimed it in 1896–97. The colony became an independent nation in 1960, but it is still closely linked to France. In the 1960s and 1970s, the country had two bloodless military coups, that is, the army took over the government without violent action. But power was eventually returned to civilians. Thomas Sanakara came to power in a violent coup in 1983. In 1987 Sanakara was killed by his followers, who continue to rule. Burkina has elections involving several political parties, but political parties that oppose the government have often boycotted, or refused to take part in, the elections. 2 • LOCATION Burkina Faso is located in west Africa, north of Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

It is slightly larger than the state of Colorado. Most of the country is gently rolling savanna (treeless plain). There are grasslands dotted with trees and areas of stunted brush. The population of Burkina Faso was estimated at 10.6 milion in 1996. 3 • LANGUAGE French is the official language of the country. It is used in the schools and in official publications. Most Burkinabe also speak languages of the Gur group within the large Niger-Congo family of languages. 4 • FOLKLORE Most of Burkinabe history, law, and tradition has been passed down from one generation to another by word of mouth. 5 • RELIGION Current figures estimate the Muslim population of Burkina Faso at 50 percent. About 40 percent of Burkinabe follow traditional African religions, and 10 percent are Christian. The traditional religion of the Burkinabe is similar to that of many other African peoples. The belief system has three main elements: a god, spirits, and ancestors. It is believed that an all-powerful god created the world. However, he is too high and too far away to have much interest in the activities of human beings.

Less powerful, but more important, are spirits of earth and air. They govern rainfall and fertile soil, affecting local conditions. Offerings and prayers are made to them at special places, such as sacred trees. Third, and most important for daily life, is the influence of one's ancestors. Those who are living have a responsibility to their ancestors: they must take care of the family land; they must also marry and raise children to carry the family into the future. It is believed that the ancestors watch over their living descendents, and they can reward or punish their behavior. 6 • MAJOR HOLIDAYS Since the 1983 revolution led by Thomas Sankara, the most important secular (nonreligious) holiday has been the anniversary of the revolution, August 4. The government and schools also observe all the major Christian and Muslim holidays. These include Easter, Christmas, Eid al-Fitr (the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan), and Eid al-Kabir (the festival of Tabaski). For this festival, Muslim households sacrifice a ram in memory of the story of Abraham. In the Old Testament (which Muslims accept as a holy book), Abraham was willing to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac at God's command.

7 • RITES OF PASSAGE The ethnic groups in Burkina Faso mark various stages in a person's life with public ceremonies. A baby's birth is announced to the community at a set time. There is also a formal ceremony for naming the baby. Boys are circumcised before they become adolescents. Marriage is viewed as the time when a person takes on full adult status. A funeral marks the transformation from a living elder to a watching ancestor. Burials must occur soon after death because of Burkina's hot climate. It is considered separate from the funeral. Funerals may be delayed for years, until the relatives can be present and can afford the cost of the funeral ceremony and feast. 8 • RELATIONSHIPS Most of the population lives in villages, surrounded by neighbors who usually are also relatives. People feel responsible for the well-being of those around them. As with other African peoples, respect for older persons is very important to Burkinabe society. Even city workers keep up ties to their families. They have a right to land to live on and to help from family members when they are old. 9 • LIVING CONDITIONS For those who live in rural villages, life has changed little over the centuries.

Most people live in adobe houses with thatched roofs. Electricity is available only in towns and cities, where some modern conveniences have been introduced. In rural areas, radios are battery powered. Water is carried from the well to the house in large pottery containers. Women carry these on their heads. 10 • FAMILY LIFE In most Burkinabe societies, descent is patrilineal (through the father). In the past, married sons and younger brothers were likely to live with their father or older brother. Today there is a tendency toward smaller households. In the southwestern part of the country, some ethnic groups also transfer certain rights and goods through the female line. For example, a man's tools might be inherited by his sons, but his cattle may go to his sister's sons. As in much of Africa, marriage in Burkina is primarily considered the means by which the entire family is perpetuated. Most marriages are arranged, and involve group meetings between both families. 11 • CLOTHING Traditionally, women wear a long cotton skirt wrapped at the waists. Tops were added to their costume in rural areas as well as cities. Men's traditional clothing is a cotton shirt and trousers. Some wear embroidered robes, showing a Muslim influence.

City people tend to wear increasingly Westernized clothes. Farmers have taken to wearing used, American cut-off jeans as their work clothes. 12 • FOOD Throughout Burkina, millet and sorghum grains are the staple foods. The main food is a porridge made from millet flour, called tô in West African French. (It is also known as fufu in other parts of Africa.) It is cooked until it thickens into a firm mass. Then pieces are broken off with the right hand, dipped in sauce, and eaten. The stew-like sauce is made from vegetables, leaves, and spices, and may contain meat. Chickens and guinea fowl are the main sources of meat. A kind of beer somewhat like cider is brewed from sorghum. It is the main drink for everyone except Muslims and Protestant Christians. 13 • EDUCATION Not everyone can easily obtain an education. Consequently, the literacy rate is quite low: in 1995, it was estimated that 19.2 percent of the population over age fifteen could read and write. This 19.2 percent figure is an average; the figure for men was 29.5, and for women, only 9.2.

After elementary school, it is even harder to continue education because of the smaller number of schools. There is one university, in Ouagadougou. 14 • CULTURAL HERITAGE The music of the Burkinabe is played on drums, flutes, and stringed instruments. In the western part of the country, there are many players of the balophon , a xylophone-like instrument made with dried gourds. FESTPACO (Festival Panafricain du Cinéma d'Ouagadougou) is the leading film festival in all of Africa. Burkinabe filmmakers, such as Gaston Kaboré and Idrissa Ouédraogo, are making feature-length films that increasingly are seen in Europe and North America. 15 • EMPLOYMENT Most people in Burkina Faso still do the same sort of agricultural work their ancestors have done for centuries. The majority of the population are subsistence farmers, raising just enough crops and animals to meet their own needs. 16 • SPORTS Soccer and bicycle racing are the major sports. No holiday is complete without a bicycle race. There is a national basketball team, but few people are involved in this sport.

17 • RECREATION For the people of Burkina, radio is the most important link to the outside world. Local, national, and world news is broadcast. There are two television stations. They broadcast only two hours per weekday and five hours on weekends. Movies are important, although theaters are found only in the larger towns and cities. Since relatively few movies are made in Africa, people usually see foreign films, especially films from India. 18 • CRAFTS AND HOBBIES The Burkinabe, especially in the western part of the country, produce some of the most famous African art. They carve wooden masks of animals or spirits, which dancers use in ceremonies. Patterned cloth is made by weaving and tie-dyeing. Leather bags, cushions, and hats are produced by many people. 19 • SOCIAL PROBLEMS Burkina has a shortage of jobs. There are also serious health problems, including malnutrition and river blindness. Almost half of all Burkinabe children are considered mal-nourished. Outbreaks of river blindness have been reported in over 80 percent of Burkina's land area, causing people to leave their villages to seek healthy, uninfected areas.

20 • BIBLIOGRAPHY Decalo, Samuel. Burkina Faso. Oxford, England and Santa Barbara, Calif.: Clio Press, 1994. Skinner, Elliott P. African Urban Life: The Transformation of Ouagadougou. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1974. WEBSITES Internet Africa Ltd. [Online] Available , 1998. World Travel Guide. [Online] Available , 1998. User Contributions: Burkina Faso: What to Know About the Unrest Against Blaise Compaoré Joe Penney—Reuters Anti-government protesters gather in the Place de la Nation in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, Oct. 31, 2014. President Blaise Compaoré stepped down Oct. 31 after 27 years in power The West African nation of Burkina Faso grabbed rare international headlines this week as thousands of people amassed in its capital, Ouagadougou, to protest plans to keep their longtime leader in office.

After days of unrest that included setting Parliament ablaze, overrunning state TV broadcasters and deadly clashes with security forces, President Blaise Compaoré stepped down Oct. 31 after 27 years in power. Army Chief Gen. Honoré Nabéré Traoré quickly announced he would fill the void and said elections would take place within a year. What are the basics about Burkina Faso? Burkina Faso, which is densely populated with more than 17 million people and ranked by the United Nations as one of the world’s least-developed countries, shares borders with six countries: Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. The country gained independence from France in 1960 and would suffer from five military coups in the first few decades that followed. It was known as Upper Volta until 1984, when it was renamed Burkina Faso, meaning “land of upright/honest people.” Who is Blaise Compaoré? Compaoré served as minister of state under President Thomas Sankara, who ruled from 1984 until 1987.

Compaoré seized power when Sankara and 12 other officials were killed in mysterious circumstances by a group of soldiers. He subsequently won four presidential elections, most recently in November 2010, although only 1.6 million Burkinabés (less than a tenth of the population) voted. This latest term was supposed to be Compaoré’s last, but Parliament was considering a bill this week to remove the constitutional limit, igniting the masses. (The President’s plans to extend his term in office in 2011 also led to the popular protests.) Why does his step-down matter? Despite his low international profile, Compaoré was a key ally of the U.S., helping in the fight against al-Qaeda affiliates operating in the Sahel and the Sahara by allowing the Americans to operate a base in Ouagadougou. France, as a former colonial power, also has Special Forces troops based in the country. Burkina Faso’s geopolitical position also meant that Compaoré held notable diplomatic influence in the region and frequently acted as a mediator in West African conflicts, including those in Mali and Côte d’Ivoire.

A report from the International Crisis Group in July 2013 said that the collapse of Burkina Faso’s diplomatic apparatus would “mean the loss of an important reference point for West Africa that, despite limitations, has played an essential role as a regulatory authority.” The report added that Compaoré “has put in place a semi-authoritarian regime, combining [democratization] with repression, to ensure political stability,” yet suggested this system was both unsustainable and unlikely to allow for any smooth transition after his departure. The toppling of Compaoré’s government is likely to bring a new challenges to the West by creating even more instability in the region and, potentially, a space in which extremist groups could flourish. The White House expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation this week and urged “all parties, including the security forces, to end the violence and return to a peaceful process to create a future for Burkina Faso that will build on Burkina Faso’s hard-won democratic gains.” France, which welcomed Compaoré’s resignation, also called for calm and urged all actors to exercise restraint. So what’s next?

Reflecting on the week’s events, an official from the influential opposition party Movement of People for Progress (MPP), Emile Pargui Pare, told AFP : “October 30 is Burkina Faso’s Black Spring, like the Arab Spring.” Other commentators have also compared the demonstrations here with the Arab Spring, the wave of revolutionary protests and clashes that began in Tunisia in December 2010. Back in 2011, Burkinabés held up signs comparing Compaoré to the ousted Tunisian ruler, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali. The political events in Burkina Faso are likely to resonate across the continent, where several national leaders are due to step aside soon, including Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, who has hinted at extending his term as President. And on Wednesday in Benin, nearly 30,000 opposition supporters demonstrated in the streets of the country’s largest city, Cotonou, to push for local elections that were due in March 2013.

Burkina Fasoan - definition of Burkina Fasoan by The Free Dictionary Burkina Fasoan - definition of Burkina Fasoan by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . Burkina Faso Bur·ki·na Fa·so (bər-kē′nə fä′sō) Formerly Up·per Vol·ta (ŭp′ər vŏl′tə, vōl′-, vôl′-) A landlocked country of western Africa. It was a French protectorate from 1896 until 1960, when it gained its independence. The name of the country was officially changed in 1984. Ouagadougou is the capital and the largest city. Burkina Faso Burkina n (Placename) an inland republic in W Africa: dominated by Mossi kingdoms (10th–19th centuries); French protectorate established in 1896; became an independent republic in 1960; consists mainly of a flat savanna plateau. Official language: French; Mossi and other African languages also widely spoken.

Religion: mostly animist, with a large Muslim minority. Currency: franc. Capital: Ouagadougou. Pop: 17 812 961 (2013 est). Area: 273 200 sq km (105 900 sq miles). Former name (until 1984): Upper Volta Bur•ki•na Fa•so (bərˈki nə ˈfɑ soʊ) n. a republic in W Africa: formerly part of French West Africa. 11,575,898; 106,111 sq. mi. (274,827 sq. km). Cap.: Ouagadougou. Formerly, Upper Volta. ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Burkina Faso Map / Geography of Burkina Faso / Map of Burkina Faso - Worldatlas.com Print this map Burkina Faso, once known as Upper Volta, and as the longtime kingdom of the Mossi people, was first populated between 14,000 and 5,000 BC by hunter-gatherers.

Between the 10th and 11th centuries, Mossi tribes immigrated into the region from Ghana , pushing out the original Yonyonse inhabitants, and began creating complex states complete with powerful militaries. There were a number of Mossi kingdoms within Burkina Faso, the most significant being the Wagadogo (Ouagadougou) and Yatenga, and they survived until the late 19th century. Following a decade of intense rivalry and competition with Britain and France , the Mossi's were defeated by French forces, and subsequently colonized in 1896. In 1958, the region-achieved self-governance, becoming the Republic of Upper Volta, and by 1960 had gained complete independence from France . Subsequently, the Upper Volta suffered from numerous military coups in its early days as a new nation. In 1983 Thomas Sankara, a Burkinabe military captain, Marxist revolutionary and Pan-Africanist theorist, seized power, and became president.

Sankara changed the name of Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, meaning "the country of honorable people" on August 4, 1984; he was a widely regarded and charismatic leader whose revolutionary programs for African self-reliance made him an icon to Africa's poor. In 1987 a French -backed coup overthrew and then assassinated Sankara as a result of his revolutionary ideals, and Captain Blaise Compaore came into power. Dissatisfied with the progression of the country, a new constitution was drafted in 1991, and countrywide elections held the following year - the results of which helped form a stable coalition government. With a high population density and very limited natural resources, most of the citizens remain economically suppressed. Local health conditions are improving, but still generally poor in the rural areas. The country is reported to have the second-highest illiteracy rate on the planet. The death of a schoolboy in early 2011 sparked a country-wide uprising, complete with military mutiny, lasting some two months before they were subdued by a consideration to change the constitution.

See Also Political Map of Burkina Faso - Nations Online Project Index of Maps ___ Political Map of Burkina Faso Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in western Africa. Formerly the location of the Mossi Kingdoms and the Gurma people, is now bordered by six nations: Benin , Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana , Mali , Niger , and Togo , all of them former French colonial territories, with one exception, Ghana (it was a British Crown Colony). The northern part of the country is dominated by the Sahel, the arid transition zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the African Savanna to the south, the fertile tropical grassland with a more humid climate. Burkina Faso lies on one vast plateau, a flat tableland tilted gently toward the south with an average altitude of 400 m. In the south western part of the country there are some hills where Mount Tena Kourou (747 m) stands out as Burkina's highest point.

The plateau is only slightly carved out by the valleys of the three tributaries of the Volta River (Ghana), the Black Volta, the Red Volta and the White Volta River, they are the main rivers in the country. Burkina Faso's climate is generally hot and arid, with rare rainfall in the north. The south is somewhat more moist with a rainy season from May to October. With an area of 274,222 km² the country is about half the size of France or slightly larger than the U.S. state of Colorado . Until 1984 the country was known as Upper Volta. Today Burkina Faso has a population of 18.5 million (in 2015); capital city is Ouagadougou . Spoken languages are French (official), and a variety of indigenous languages. Map is showing Burkina Faso and the surrounding countries with international borders, provinces boundaries, the national capital, provinces capitals, major cities, main roads, railroads and airports. You are free to use this map for educational purposes, please refer to the Nations Online Project.

Cities and Towns in Burkina Faso Capital and largest city is Ouagadougou (1,630,000) , Bobo-Dioulasso is the second largest city (540,000), Banfora (94,000), Koudougou (92,000), Ouahigouya (87,000), Kaya (92,000), Fada-N'gourma (52,000), Tenkodogo (49,000) Other Cities and Towns: Aribinda, Balavè, Batiè, Bogandè, Boni, Boromo, Boulsa, Boundourè, Bouroum, Boussè, Dano, Dèdougou, Diapaga, Dièbougou, Djibasso, Djibo, Dori, Foutouri, Gaoua, Gayèri, Gorom-Gorom, Goursi, Houndè, Kampti, Kantchari, Kassou, Kayan, Kombissiri, Kongoussi, Koumbia, Koupèla, L

èo, Madjoari, Manè, Manga, Markoy, Matiakoali, Morolaba, Niangoloko, Nouna, Orodaro, Ouargaye, Ouarkoy, Pama, Pù (Po), Quessa, Rèo, Samba, Samorogouan, Sapoui, Sebba, Seytanga, Sèguènega, Sidèradougou, Sili, Sindou, Solenzo, Thiou, Tiou, Titao, Toma, Tougan, Yako, Zabrè, Ziniarè, and Zorgo Burkina Faso Facts > Burkina Faso Facts Compassion has been making a difference in the lives of children in need in Burkina Faso since 2004.

Through our work there, we gather Burkina Faso facts about children in need and the community of Burkina Faso. These Burkina Faso facts and statistics provide a good overview of the reality of poverty and how Compassion is releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Poverty is a common problem in the country of Burkina Faso but Compassion is working to change this. The Burkina Faso facts tell a discouraging story, but Compassion is bringing hope in the midst of this discouragement. With your involvement, our programs are changing the statistics one child at a time. Don't let the hopelessness of Burkina Faso facts overwhelm you. You can make a difference to a child in Burkina Faso today! Where We Work Prayer Requests Burkina Faso We partner with churches and denominations to help them provide Burkinabé children with the opportunity to rise above their circumstances and become all God has created them to be. Our work in Burkina Faso began in the summer of 2004. Currently, more than 50,390 children participate in more than 190 child development centers.

Sponsor a Child from Burkina Faso Showing results for ( children found): Showing – of children Sorry, there was a problem retrieving the children for this page. Please try again. Sorry, there were no children found. Please use the search form to find a child to sponsor. Similar Children: How Two Sheep Saved a Family Nov 30, 2016 Aminata never knew if the droughts would kill her crops – or if the rain would wash them away. For Denise Tapsoba, the prospect of another child was more frightening than joyful. Featured on the Blog History Until the end of the 19th century, the history of Burkina Faso was dominated by the empire-building Mossi. The French arrived and claimed the area in 1896, but Mossi resistance ended only with the capture of their capital, Ouagadougou in 1901. The colony of Upper Volta was established in 1919, but it was dismantled and reconstituted several times until the present borders were recognized in 1947. The French administered the area indirectly through Mossi authorities until independence was achieved on Aug. 5, 1960.

The first president, Maurice Yameogo, amended the constitution soon after taking office to ban opposition political parties. His government lasted until 1966, when the first of several military coups placed Lt. Col. Sangoule Lamizana at the head of a government of senior army officers. Lamizana remained in power throughout the 1970s, as president of military and then elected governments. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. In 1984, Upper Volta changed its name to Burkina Faso, meaning "the country of honorable people." Burkina Faso's high population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabé farm workers to find employment in neighboring countries. Source: The World Factbook, 2014 Education The school week runs from Monday through Saturday. Public education is not free and many children's parents cannot afford to send them.

There also is a shortage of schools in the country and even those who can afford to send their children may not be able to. According to UNICEF, only 81 percent of students reach the fifth grade. However, education is very important for the people of Burkina Faso; it is seen as the only vehicle out of poverty. Parents believe that education is the key to a well-paying job and therefore a better future. In Burkina Faso the educated are held in high regard. An educated child has a strong influence in the community and whatever he or she says is accepted and believed compared with a non-educated person's words. Education has strongly contributed to the well-being of the people and the nation. In the recent past, boys had an edge over girls in their ability to obtain an education. But recently, the government policy has been to raise the rate of education for girls. There now tends to be a gender balance regarding who has access to education. Through both formal and non-formal education, all are taught to be respectful, polite, obedient, courageous and hard workers. Responsibility, family values and dignity are emphasized. Religion The constitution provides for freedom of religion and the government does not tolerate its abuse.

Islam, Christianity and traditional indigenous religions are practiced freely without government interference. There is no official state religion and the government neither subsidizes nor favors any particular religion. The practice of a particular faith is not known to entail any advantage or disadvantage in the political arena, the civil service, the military or the private sector. The law provides religious groups freedom of expression in their publications and broadcasts unless the judicial system determines that they are harming public order or committing slander; this has never occurred. Foreign missionary groups operate freely and face no special restrictions. The government neither forbids missionaries from entering the country nor restricts their activities; however, missionary groups occasionally face complicated bureaucratic procedures in pursuit of particular activities. For example, some Christian medical missionaries have difficulty operating in the country because of a partial restriction on foreign physicians. But the restrictions are not aimed at religious groups. Religious instruction is not offered in public schools; it is limited to private schools and to the home. Muslim, Catholic and Protestant groups operate primary and secondary schools. The government monitors both the nonreligious curriculum and the qualifications of teachers employed at these schools. Unlike other private schools, religious schools pay no taxes if they do not conduct any lucrative activities.

The government reviews the curriculum of such schools to ensure that religiously oriented schools offer the full standard academic curriculum. Source: International Religious Freedom Report, released in 2012 by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. Culture Art Burkina Faso has more than 60 ethnic groups, each with their own social and cultural distinctions. Art made by the Mossi, Bobo and Lobi are the most famous. The Mossi are known for their antelope masks; the Bobo make large butterfly masks; and the Lobi carve wood. Burkina Faso is a leader in African art and culture and hosts the largest craft market in Africa. Music Burkina Faso is home to 60 different ethnic groups, each with their own variety of folk music. Unlike most African countries, Burkina Faso has not yet had a popular national style. The Semaine Nationale de la Culture, held every two years since 1983, is a music festival that has helped produce the country's few stars, including Kaboré Roger, Simporé Maurice and Black So Man.

The Mande people of the southwest are known for balafon (xylophone) music, while the large, centrally located Mossi and their griots retain ancient royal courts and courtly music. The Fulbe of the north use complex vocal techniques with clapping percussion. Rakiire Because of the diversity of ethnic groups in Burkina Faso, many cultural practices are observed. One of the most important and widespread customs is Rakiire (cross-ethnic joking).

Question: Burkina Faso was known by which name until 1984?
Answer: Upper Volta