In addition to Burkina Faso’s total population, there are about three million Burkinabè living in neighboring countries.
In addition to Burkina Faso’s total population, there are about three million Burkinabè living in neighboring countries. The majority of Burkinabè, about 55%, are Muslims. Around 30% of the population are animists, and about 15% adhere to Christianity. The official language of Burkina Faso is French, and the country’s most widely spoken languages are Dioula, Moore, and Fulfulde.
Sights in Burkina Faso
Some of Burkina Faso’s cultural and historical sights can be found in the capital, Ouagadougou. This is largely due to the city’s former role as a center of the Mossi kingdoms. The Mossi are a people who still make up the largest part of the population in West Africa today.
There are not many wild animals left in Burkina Faso. Most of them can be seen in the country’s national parks, such as the Po National Park, the Arli National Park, and the W National Park. These parks are home to lions, antelopes, hippos, monkeys, and a wide variety of bird species. Tourists who wish to photograph the animals and landscapes of the national parks should obtain a permit in advance. In the town of Sabou, however, numerous crocodiles can be observed up close in their natural habitat.
Another highlight is the impressive Banfora Waterfalls near the town of the same name. These are among the country’s most popular attractions. The waterfalls are located within a large nature reserve that protects the surrounding flora and fauna.
Location and Climate of Burkina Faso
This landlocked country in West Africa lies in the southern part of the Niger Bend within the Sudan belt. It shares borders with Togo, Niger, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Mali.
The northern part of the country is part of the Sahel and consists of dry savanna. In the south, however, the climate is subtropical and seasonally humid. Burkina Faso’s climate is shaped by the rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from around June to October, and the dry season from around November to March. Between April and May, a particularly hot desert wind, the Harmattan, blows through the region. During this time, temperatures can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius.
Burkina Faso is best visited outside the rainy seasons and during the cooler months, from around December to February. During the rainy seasons, flooding can make some parts of the country inaccessible.
Entry and Arrival
Burkina Faso has two international airports: Ouagadougou Airport and Borgo Airport near the city of Bobo-Dioulasso. These airports can be reached directly, for example, from Paris. From the airports, travelers can continue their journey by taxi, bus, or domestic flight. Many domestic flights are operated from Borgo Airport.
German citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond their stay, as well as a visa, to enter Burkina Faso. The visa must be applied for in advance at the embassy of Burkina Faso. Additionally, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry and will be checked upon arrival.
