Safaris, wild buffalo hunting, rafting, markets with authentic wooden masks up to two meters high, insect larvae for dinner and antelope meat for lunch, can you imagine a country more exotic than Burkina Faso? If you are fed up with trips to the Turkish coast, walking through the cozy streets of Europe and are in search of vivid impressions – you are here!
Geography of Burkina Faso
According to extrareference, Burkina Faso is one of the smallest countries in West Africa, in the north it has a border with Mali, in the east with Niger, in the southeast with Bening, in the south with Ghana and Togo, in the southwest with Côte d ‘Yvoire. The country has no access to the sea, but it has a well-developed river network. There are about 20 major rivers in Burkina Faso, which, unfortunately, almost dry up during the dry season. The main part of the entire territory of Burkina Faso, with an area of 273,187 km², is occupied by the Mosi plateau with an average height of 350 meters above sea level, there are individual hills up to 750 meters on it. Savannah prevails in Burkina Faso, only 7% of the country’s territory is covered with forests.
Capital
Ouagadougou
Area
The area of Burkina Faso is 273,187 km. sq., occupies the 74th place in the world by area.
Population
18 233 516
Currency
The official currency is the CFA franc (XOF).
Language
Official language – French
Visa to Burkina Faso
To visit Burkina Faso, Russians will need to apply for a visa. Unfortunately, there are no diplomatic representations of the country in the Russian Federation (the embassy in Moscow was closed in 1996), so you can apply for a visa to Austria (Vienna), Belgium (Brussels), Germany (Bonn), France (Paris) or other countries. Officially, the interests of Burkina Faso in Russia are represented by the country’s ambassador to Germany. To obtain a visa, it is necessary to send a package of documents to the diplomatic mission of Burkina Faso in advance, and the list of documents depends on the requirements of a particular mission. As a general rule, if you are applying to a neighboring country where there is a Burkina Faso consulate, the requirements will be the least stringent. The validity of a tourist visa to Burkina Faso is 3 months, the cost varies depending on the country of application.
Weather in Burkina Faso
The country has a subequatorial climate, it clearly highlights the dry season, which occurs from November to March, and in the northern parts of Burkina Faso it lasts almost all year round for 8-10 months. The dry season brings with it significant losses for the country, most of the rivers dry up, crops burn out. From March to May in Burkina Faso comes the hot dry season (temperature 30-35 ºС), and from May to November the hot wet season (24-26 ºС) lasts. From December to February, sandstorms come to the country with the harmattan wind. In general, the climate of Burkina Faso is much drier than its neighboring countries.
Currency exchange in Burkina Faso
You can exchange currency for local (Central African CFA franc) at exchange offices and bank branches, which are available in all major cities of the country. Banks work from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 17:00, currency exchange offices – daily or even around the clock. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted only at banks and the largest hotels, however, commissions are charged at a minimum amount, which is worth using.
Electricity
Mains voltage 220V, 50Hz. Sockets type C, European standard with two round pins and type E French standard with two round pins on the plug and one in the socket.
Religion
The vast majority of local residents of Burkina Faso, namely 60.5% are Muslims, 23.3% are Christians, mostly Catholics, and 15.3% profess African cults.
Security
Burkina Faso is one of the safest countries in West Africa, the locals are incredibly welcoming and friendly, but it still cannot boast such a low crime rate as, for example, in Europe. Petty street thefts, vehicle theft are not uncommon here, so when traveling around the country it is recommended to be careful and careful, and keep valuables, documents and jewelry in a hotel safe. Traveling alone in remote areas at night is also not recommended.
Health
An international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Burkina Faso, as the risk of contracting it in the country is very high. Before the trip, it is also recommended to drink a preventive course of drugs against malaria, get vaccinated against typhoid fever and meningococcal infection. The risk of disease increases if you plan to visit remote areas of the country and the countryside. It is highly recommended to use only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Since the level of the health system in the country is not high, it is advisable to take out international medical insurance in advance, covering your transportation to your home country if necessary.
