Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou · Africa

Population

24.1M

World Bank, 2025

Area

272,967 km²

GDP

$23.1B

World Bank, 2025

GDP Per Capita

$981.993

World Bank, 2025

Life Expectancy

61.1 yrs

World Bank, 2025

Capital

Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso is a country located in Western Africa, with its capital in Ouagadougou. As of 2025, it has a population of 24.1M and covers an area of 272,967 km². The economy of Burkina Faso has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $23.1B (World Bank, 2025), translating to a per-capita income of $981.993 with annual economic growth of 4.8%. Life expectancy in Burkina Faso stands at 61.1 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The official language is French, and the currency is the West African CFA franc (Fr). Burkina Faso shares land borders with 6 countries.

Population Growth — Burkina Faso

GDP Trend (USD)

How Large Is Burkina Faso's Economy?

Burkina Faso's GDP of $23.1B makes it a low-income economy by World Bank classification. GDP per capita of $982 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025). The economy has grown 50% over the past decade, from $13.4B in 2013 to $20.1B in 2023. The most recent annual growth rate of 4.8% is above the global median of 3.1% (World Bank, 2025). The unemployment rate of 3.5% is 55% below the regional average of 7.8 (World Bank, 2025). Inflation of 4.2% is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%. Burkina Faso's official currency is the West African CFA franc (Fr). As a UN member, Burkina Faso participates in multilateral trade frameworks.

GDP

$23.1B

World Bank, 2025

GDP Per Capita

$981.993

World Bank, 2025

GDP Growth

4.8%

Unemployment

3.5%

Inflation

4.2%

Currencies

XOF

What Are Burkina Faso's Demographics?

With 24.1M people, Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. At 88 people per km², the country is moderately populated. Population has grown at 2.7% annually over the past decade (World Bank, 2025). Life expectancy stands at 61.1 years, 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years. Infant mortality of 44.8 per 1,000 live births is near the regional average of 44 (World Bank, 2025). The country's official language is French. Over the past decade, Burkina Faso's population grew from 10.1M to 23.0M, adding 12.9M people.

Population

24.1M

World Bank, 2025

Life Expectancy

61.1 yrs

World Bank, 2025

Infant Mortality

44.8 per 1k

Literacy Rate

—

Languages

French

CO₂ Per Capita

—

Where Is Burkina Faso Located?

Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km² (105,000 sq miles) and shares land borders with 6 countries. The country sits within the Africa region, Western Africa subregion, spanning Africa. Ouagadougou serves as the seat of government and administrative capital of Burkina Faso. The country spans 1 time zone. Recognized internationally by ISO codes BF and BFA, Burkina Faso is an independent sovereign state and a full UN member. Its 1 currency (XOF) reflects its participation in multilateral trade and monetary frameworks.

Area

272,967 km²

Region

Africa

Subregion

Western Africa

Capital

Ouagadougou

Timezones

UTC

Continents

Africa

Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: March 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions about Burkina Faso

What is the population of Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M as of 2025, according to World Bank data. Life expectancy is 61.1 years.

What is the capital of Burkina Faso?

The capital of Burkina Faso is Ouagadougou. It serves as the country's administrative and political center.

What is the GDP of Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso's GDP is $23.1B as of 2025 (World Bank). GDP per capita is $981.993. The economy grew at 4.8% in 2025.

What is the life expectancy in Burkina Faso?

The average life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The infant mortality rate is 44.8 per 1,000 live births.

What region is Burkina Faso in?

Burkina Faso is located in Africa, specifically in Western Africa. It is part of the continent of Africa.

What is the size of Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso covers an area of 272,967 km² (105,393 square miles). The population density is approximately 88.2 people per km².

What currency does Burkina Faso use?

Burkina Faso uses the West African CFA franc (Fr) with currency code XOF.

What language is spoken in Burkina Faso?

The official language of Burkina Faso is French.

Is Burkina Faso a member of the United Nations?

Yes, Burkina Faso is a member of the United Nations.

What is Burkina Faso's GDP?

Burkina Faso's GDP is $23.1B (World Bank, 2025). This places it among Africa's economies by total output.

What is Burkina Faso's GDP per capita?

Burkina Faso's GDP per capita is $982, which is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025).

What is Burkina Faso's inflation rate?

Burkina Faso's inflation rate is 4.2%, moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5% (World Bank, 2025).

What is the population density of Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso has a population density of 88 people per km², making it moderately populated.

What is the life expectancy in Burkina Faso?

Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years (World Bank, 2025).

What is the total area of Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso has a total land area of 272,967 km² (105,000 sq miles). This measurement covers the country's total sovereign territory as recorded by international geographic databases.

How many countries does Burkina Faso border?

Burkina Faso shares land borders with 6 countries (identified by the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 codes: BEN, CIV, GHA, MLI, NER, TGO). These borders define the country's overland connections to the wider region.