AFRICA

BF flag Burkina Faso

Level 4 — Do Not Travel
Population 24.1 million
Exchange Rate 1 USD = 553.75 XOF
Advisory Level 4
GDP/Capita $982
Health Alerts 0
Last Updated Apr 28, 2026
BF flag Burkina Faso
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About Burkina FasoOverview, geography, and key facts
Flag of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is bordered by Mali to the northwest, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the southwest. It covers an area of 274,223 km2. In 2024, the country had an estimated population of approximately 23,286,000. After independence it was called the Republic of Upper Volta from 1958 to 1984. It was renamed Burkina Faso by then-president Thomas Sankara. Its citizens are known as Burkinabes, and its capital and largest city is Ouagadougou.

Capital Ouagadougou
Population 24.1 million
Area 272,967 km²
Languages French
Currency West African CFA franc (XOF)
GDP/Capita $982
Source: U.S. Department of State, Wikipedia, REST Countries API
Travel AdvisoryU.S. Department of State
Gov Data
Level 4 — Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to life-threatening risks. U.S. citizens should depart immediately if safe to do so.

Currency & Economy

Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange Rate
1 USD = 553.75 XOF
GDP
$23.1B
GDP per Capita
$982

Visa Fee Estimate

$185 USD 102,444 XOF
Based on current Treasury exchange rate

Development

Life Expectancy
61.1 years
Geography & Practical Details
Region
Africa
Capital
Ouagadougou
Area
272,967 km²
Population
24,070,553
Timezone
UTC
Languages
French
Calling Code
+226
Drives On
Right
ISO Code
BF