Burkina Faso

Country in Africa

In brief

Population: 24.1M (2025). World rank 59 of 216; in Africa, 20 of 54. Area: 272,967 km². World rank 76 of 249; in Africa, 29 of 59. Life expectancy: 61.3 years (2024). World rank 207 of 216 (1 = best); in Africa, 45 of 54. From 2015 to 2025: population 18.8M → 24.1M, GDP $11.8B → $27.6B, and GDP per person $630 → $1,148.

State

Official name: Burkina Faso
Local name: Burkina Faso
Capital: Ouagadougou
Region: Africa
Form of government: Presidential republic
UN member: Yes

Key figures

Population: 24,074,580 2025
Area: 272,967 km²
GDP: $27.6B 2025
GDP per person: $1,148 2025
Life expectancy: 61.3 years 2024

Practical information

Languages: French
Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Time zones: UTC
Calling code: +226
Emergency numbers: 17, 18, 112
Driving side: Right
Plug types: C, E
Mains voltage: 220 V