Burkina Faso at a Glance
BURKINA FASO AT A GLANCE POPULATION: 20,393,230 (July 2019 est.) LANGUAGES: French, local languages PREDOMINANT RELIGIONS: Islam, Roman Catholicism TIME ZONE: Four hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (New York City) TELEPHONE CODE: 226, country code Burkina Faso is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful countries in West Africa and a great place to experience African culture. A vibrant center of music and the arts, Burkina Faso hosts several internationally known events, including an annual jazz festival and the bi-annual Pan-African Film Festival. The pressing needs for nutrition and medical attention are met. bi-annual International Arts and Handicrafts Trade Show, the Children also receive tutoring to help with their academics. largest on the continent, attracts hundreds of artisans and Health and hygiene lessons teach them to care for their own more than 100,000 visitors from around the world to the capital physical well-being, and positive social skills are modeled and city of Ouagadougou. encouraged. An impoverished, landlocked country, Burkina Faso also CURRENCY experiences many challenges, including high population The local currency is the CFA Franc (XOF), used throughout density, recurring drought, chronic food insecurity and limited French West Africa. Burkina Faso society operates natural resources. Yet, despite the obstacles they face, the predominantly with cash. Money can be changed at major banks Burkinabé are a resilient people who always have a warm smile in the big cities, but you may have problems changing anything and a warm welcome for visitors. other than euros in smaller towns. ATMs do not always accept foreign cards.
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