Burkina Faso
Capital: Ouagadougou
About
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is bordered by Mali to the northwest, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the southwest. It covers an area of 274,223 km2. In 2024, the country had an estimated population of approximately 23,286,000. After independence it was called the Republic of Upper Volta from 1958 to 1984. It was renamed Burkina Faso by then-president Thomas Sankara. Its citizens are known as Burkinabes, and its capital and largest city is Ouagadougou.
When things are closed
Upcoming public holidays in Burkina Faso. On these dates, expect banks, post offices, and government services to close. Many shops and museums close or run shortened hours; transit typically still runs.
Independence Day
August 5, 2026
Wednesday
Assumption Day
August 15, 2026
Saturday
Martyrs' Day
October 31, 2026
Saturday
All Saints' Day
November 1, 2026
Sunday
Proclamation of Independence Day
December 11, 2026
Friday
Christmas Day
December 25, 2026
Friday
Cities (2)
References4
These references support the changing or licensed material on this page. Personal notes and ordinary geographic facts are not footnoted individually. Entry rules can change, so verify them before booking.
- Travel practicalities. Entry, driving, electricity, water, and official application context. Related: Driving side, World Standards, CDC Yellow Book, WHO drinking-water guidance.
- Country background. Wikipedia summary may be clipped or paraphrased. Numeric baselines are cross-checked with Wikidata. Related: Wikidata, .
