Bukina Faso

Bukina Faso is a landlocked West African country located between Mali and Niger. It was known as
Upper Volta during the French colonial era, but it regained independence in 1960 and adopted its
current name in 1984. The country is home to an estimated 19 million people, many of whom rely on
subsistence farming for their livelihoods. Bukina Faso’s climate ranges from semi-arid in the north to
tropical in the south, with temperatures frequently reaching over 40°C (104°F).
The official national flag of Bukina Faso was adopted on August 4th, 1984 and consists of two equal
vertical bands of red and yellow, with a five-pointed green star centered on the hoist side. This flag
symbolizes Bukina Faso’s independence from French rule, with each color having its own specific
meaning; red for bloodshed during the struggle for freedom, yellow for wealth and hope, and green for
the nation’s lush vegetation and agricultural potential.
The current president of Bukina Faso is Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, who was elected in November
2015. He was previously Prime Minister from 1994 to 1996 under President Blaise Compaoré. Since
becoming president he has implemented numerous reforms aimed at improving security within the
country and developing its economy. In 2019 he won re-election after campaigning on a platform
centered around economic growth solutions and measures to combat corruption.
In terms of history, Bukina Faso dates back to early 1500s when Mossi kingdoms dominated much of the
modern day region. These kingdoms were formed by various ethnic groups who had been driven out of
Ghana by their enemies during an earlier period of civil unrest; they then moved into what is now
known as Bukina Faso where they built centralized states that tended to be more powerful than their
smaller chiefdoms elsewhere in Africa at this time. Despite these powers however, the Mossi were
unable to protect themselves against European invasions that began during the late 1700s when France
created its colonies across West Africa which included modern-day Bukina Faso. France used this area as
part of its Fashoda scheme – an attempt to link together all French possessions along a single navigable
route – which marked its arrival as one of Africa’s major colonial powers at this time period.
Bukina Faso eventually gained independence from France in 1960 under President Maurice Yaméogo
but maintained ties with Paris until 1983 when military leader Thomas Sankara took power following a
coup d’état – ending nearly 120 years of French rule over this region. After Sankara’s death four years
later his former ally Blaise Compaoré assumed control until 2014 when he relinquished power after
mass protests threatened his government’s stability; since then there have been several democratic
elections that have seen new leadership come into place including President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré
who continues to lead the nation today.
Bukina
Faso
In conclusion there are many things that make Bukina Faso unique – be it its colorful flag or rich history
stretching back hundreds of years – all which combine together to give it an excitingly diverse culture
that has become increasingly popular amongst tourists due to both its natural beauty and fascinating
heritage alike.