A land-locked African country which lies in the heart of West Africa between Mali to the north and Cote d'Ivoire to the south west, Burkina gained independence from France in 1960. It is a fairly flat country covered to a greater extent by an undulating peneplain, rising to a sandstone massif in its southwestern corner and is crossed by three major rivers: the Black Volta, (or Mouhoun) the White Volta (Nakambe) and the Red Volta (Nazinon). Although it contains a number of lakes and large ponds, water shortages can be problematic in this region. Its diverse flora and fauna are protected in the National Parks and nature reserves which are to be found within its borders, a real showcase for the beauty of the West African countryside. As well as a draw for tourists attracted to the beauty of its diverse landscapes, Burkina has a strong tradition of drumming and crafts, and is an excellent destination for travellers wishing to explore African culture and music.
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Decorated African dwelling
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Over the last few decades, archaeological findings have helped piece together some of the ancient history of the region, and it is clear that like all of West Africa, it was populated by early hunter-gatherers, with the first farming settlements dating back to around the 3rd century BC. Traces of the Dogon can be found in some northern regions, while later during the 15th and 16th centuries, Burkina Faso was a very important economic region for the Songhai Empire, that became a French protectorate in 1896 when the Mossi kingdom of Ouagadougou was defeated by French forces.
The country hosts one of the most important African handicraft fairs in the world known as 'SIAO' in its capital city Ouagadougou. A capital city with a relaxed pace, Ouga is full of surprises which make it a favourite stop-off for independent travellers: it has good hotels, restaurants and night spots and does host some interesting biennial events such as the most important film festival on the continent. Among a variety of sights it offers is the urban park of Bangr Weogo, where a diverse range of plants and animal species exist within a kind of museum akin to a zoo. The second-largest town is Bobo-Dioulasso, known for its fascinating centerpiece, the 'Grand Marche', a typical African city market where you can enjoy hours of hassle-free browsing and exploring. As well as a fine mosque on the list of sights, just enjoy the languid tropical charm of its neighbourhoods as well as the happening musical scene.
The town of Boromo in the south is the gateway to the Parc National des Deux Bales, where a safari tour will take you to admire the freely roaming elephants. This is the region where the lush countryside provides a respite from the arid deserts of the north, and the climate is better suited to the cultivation of such crops as sorghum, millet, maize, peanuts, rice and cotton. Visit Banfora, Gaoua and Tiebele.
Burkina is fascinating for the amazing diversity of its ethnic population, with up to sixty different groups represented here, each with their own particular culture and traditions adding a great richness to a country otherwise known for its extreme poverty.
A land-locked African country which lies in the heart of West Africa between Mali to the north and Cote d'Ivoire to the south west, Burkina gained independence from France in 1960. It is a fairly flat country covered to a greater extent by an undulating peneplain, rising to a sandstone massif in its southwestern corner and is crossed by three major rivers: the Black Volta, (or Mouhoun) the White Volta (Nakambe) and the Red Volta (Nazinon). Although it contains a number of lakes and large ponds, water shortages can be problematic in this region. Its diverse flora and fauna are protected in the National Parks and nature reserves which are to be found within its borders, a real showcase for the beauty of the West African countryside. As well as a draw for tourists attracted to the beauty of its diverse landscapes, Burkina has a strong tradition of drumming and crafts, and is an excellent destination for travellers wishing to explore African culture and music.
|
|
Decorated African dwelling
|
Over the last few decades, archaeological findings have helped piece together some of the ancient history of the region, and it is clear that like all of West Africa, it was populated by early hunter-gatherers, with the first farming settlements dating back to around the 3rd century BC. Traces of the Dogon can be found in some northern regions, while later during the 15th and 16th centuries, Burkina Faso was a very important economic region for the Songhai Empire, that became a French protectorate in 1896 when the Mossi kingdom of Ouagadougou was defeated by French forces.
The country hosts one of the most important African handicraft fairs in the world known as 'SIAO' in its capital city Ouagadougou. A capital city with a relaxed pace, Ouga is full of surprises which make it a favourite stop-off for independent travellers: it has good hotels, restaurants and night spots and does host some interesting biennial events such as the most important film festival on the continent. Among a variety of sights it offers is the urban park of Bangr Weogo, where a diverse range of plants and animal species exist within a kind of museum akin to a zoo. The second-largest town is Bobo-Dioulasso, known for its fascinating centerpiece, the 'Grand Marche', a typical African city market where you can enjoy hours of hassle-free browsing and exploring. As well as a fine mosque on the list of sights, just enjoy the languid tropical charm of its neighbourhoods as well as the happening musical scene.
The town of Boromo in the south is the gateway to the Parc National des Deux Bales, where a safari tour will take you to admire the freely roaming elephants. This is the region where the lush countryside provides a respite from the arid deserts of the north, and the climate is better suited to the cultivation of such crops as sorghum, millet, maize, peanuts, rice and cotton. Visit Banfora, Gaoua and Tiebele.
Burkina is fascinating for the amazing diversity of its ethnic population, with up to sixty different groups represented here, each with their own particular culture and traditions adding a great richness to a country otherwise known for its extreme poverty.