BURKINA FASO
TRADITION AND MEETINGS

Geography History Map

Located in the Niger bend, Burkina Faso is an inland country of 274,000 km2 (1,750,000 miles2) without sea outlet, it is bounded to the north and west by the Republic of Mali, to the north-east by Republic of Niger, to the south-east by the Republic of Benin and the south by the Republic of Togo, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.

The low relief gradients hinder the flow of water of the three rivers Mouhoun, Nazinon and Nakambe, which drain the country. The nearest point to the Atlantic Ocean is 450 kms (280 miles). The average altitude of the plateaus is 450 m (1,476 feet). The highest peak is the Tenakourou with a height of 747 m (2,450 feet) and is located in the west of the country.

A land-locked country in the Sahel, the Burkina Faso is still very rural, "The Africa of villages". You will find huts constructed of mud and quiet and astonishingly relaxed traditional festivities. Even though, this country is made up of a population of different origins, they have a deep sense of hospitality. You could taste Dolo (a traditional beer produced from millet) offered to any foreign visitor. There is chance of assisting at the appearance of masks dances.

With more than 2,752,000 hectares of game reserves, Burkina Faso is by excellency , a country of game safari and sightseeing. All the species of West Africa's animals can be found (lions, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, birds, etcŠ). The hunting season is from December to May. Its management is essentially private with restricted zones of concession.

  • Arly Park
    The Arly park is located 500 km (320 miles) from Ouagadougou to the South-East of the country. You can see majority of the animals which exist in West Africa
  • Po Park
    This Park is situated 120 kms (75 miles) south of OUAGADOUGOU. On the road, you can visit the village of Tiebele, specifically for the manner of the construction of huts and the designs on them, it's the heart of the Gourounsi country.

  • The Park of W
  • Shared by the Republics of Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso, this is the largest of the three parks and one of the most beautiful parks in West Africa. It is inhabited by full species in West Africa.

  • The existence of powerful kingdoms in the east and center of the country (OUAGADOUGOU, TENKODOGO, YATENGA, GOURMA) have characterized the history of the country. Colonized by France at the end of the 19th century, the country was named Upper-Volta, she gained her independence in 1960. On August 4, 1984 the name Upper Volta was changed to Burkina Faso. The name Burkina (Moore) literally translated as "Dignity, Integrity", and Faso (Dioula) meaning " The country ". The name Burkina Faso therefore means "The country of Honest Men". It's motto is "Unity-Progress-Justice" The current head of state is Captain Blaise COMPAORE, the first elected president of the 4th Republic.

    With a population of over 10,000,000, Burkina Faso is one of the most populated in West Africa. Her population comprised different ethnic groups: Mossi (the largest ethnic group), Gourounsi, Lobi, Fulani, Gourmantche, Senoufo, Bissa, Mande, etc. The people of Burkina Faso are called Burkinabe. The inhabitants of OUAGADOUGOU, the capital are more than 1,000,000 in 2000.


    OK Raids - okraids@okraids.bf
    Tél :  (226) 50.38.88.63 / 96
    Fax : (226) 50.38.55.46