Burkina Faso: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa, north of Ghana. It is mostly flat savanna crossed by the Black, Red and White Volta rivers. It is known for colourful painted houses, crafts and a famous African film festival.

About Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou is in the centre of Burkina Faso, on the country's central plateau. It hosts FESPACO, a famous pan-African film festival held every two years.

Fun facts about Burkina Faso

1. Burkina Faso's name is often translated as 'land of upright people', and it was called Upper Volta until 1984.
2. FESPACO, first held in 1969 in Ouagadougou, is regarded as the main event of African cinema.
3. At the Royal Court of Tiébélé, earthen houses are painted with bold geometric patterns.
4. The stone ruins of Loropéni are a UNESCO World Heritage Site linked to the old gold trade.
5. Ancient iron-smelting furnaces in Burkina Faso, some more than 2,000 years old, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Three branches of the Volta River, the Black, Red and White Voltas, flow across Burkina Faso.