Burkina Faso Flag
Why visit Burkina Faso?
Birdwatching, culture, film festivals, hunting, markets, national parks, nature and nightlife.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Artwork, beaded items, embroidery, fabrics, jewelry, leather goods, masks, metal sculptures and wood carvings.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Fufu (accompanied by a soup). Ragout D'Igname (yam soup). Riz Gras (rice stew).
- Local Drink to Try: Banji, Bissap (sour). Degue. Dôlo (beer). Palm Wine. Zoom Kom (grain water).
(Drought Season), Saaba (Kadiogo Province), Burkina Faso. Photo Credit: YODA Adaman/Unsplash.
Fun Facts
- In 1973, archaeologist discovered arrowheads, chisels and scrapers dating back from 14000BCE - 5000BCE.
- In 1890s, invaded by France.
- Until 1984, formerly named Republic of Upper Volta.
- Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara (1949-1987), President from 1983- 1987 was overthrown and assassinated.
- In 1998, Omnisport Stadium (Bobo Dioulasso) was built to host Africa Cup of Nations.
- France provides support and training to the police.
- Largest quantity of elephants than any country in West Africa.
- Economically funded by international aid.
- Exporter of cotton and gold.
- Faces high levels of food insecurity.
- Boys receive preference for education.
- High school costs approximately $50US per student annually.
- Most radical climatic variation in the world from severe flooding to droughts.
(Market), Burkina Faso. Photo Credit: RobertoVi/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (February) Festival International des Masques et des Arts (FESTIMA), Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), (March) Festival des Masques et des Artes, National Culture Week of Burkina Faso, (April) Festival Jazz, (May) Symposium de sculpture sur granit de Laongo, (September) Semaine National de la Culture, Tabaski Festival, (October) Festival International de la Culture Hip Hop, International Art and Craft Fair and Ouagadougou (SIAO).
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Revolution Day, International Women’s Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Independence Day, Assumption Day, Martyrs Day, All Saints Day, Proclamation of the Republic, Christmas, Korité, Tabaski and Mawlid.
(Housing), Burkina Faso. Photo Credit: Imo Deen/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Official language is French, spoken by 15% of the population, most commonly spoken language is Moore.
- One of the least developed countries in the world.
- Medical services are limited and below our standards.
- Customs often asks for purchase receipts for artwork.
- Only drink bottled water!
- Restaurant sanitation conditions are usually below our standards.
- To avoid bilharzia (parasite) do not swim or wade in lakes or streams!
- Showing knees is not welcomed, so do not wear shorts.
- Flies and mosquitoes are rampant.
- Do not use your left hand in exchange for anything with natives.
- Do not shake hands of the opposite sex in public.
- Do not display affection in public places (holding hands, kiss, or rub).
- During the Rainy Season (June - October) power outages and washed away roads are common.
- All foreigners (and citizens) are required to carry photo ID passports. Otherwise, subject to a fine.
- Prone to water shortages.
- Malnutrition is common amongst children and women.
- Polygyny is permitted and practiced.
- Dengue, Malaria, Meningococcal Meningitis, Schistosomiasis and Tuberculosis are present.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Required Vaccination: Yellow Fever.
As of 10/19/20 is a Level 4: Do Not Travel due to crime, kidnapping and terrorism.
- Best Time to Visit: November - March
- Coolest Month: January
- Hottest Months: March - May
(Food Storage), Burkina Faso. Photo Credit: Imo Deen/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Douroula, Ruins of Loropéni and W-Arly-Pendjari Complex.
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
No comments:
Post a Comment