What Are People From Burkina Faso Called?

West Africa, Burkina Faso

The demonym for people from Burkina Faso is:

Burkinabe

Pronunciation:

/bərˌkiːnəˈbeɪ/

Alliance of Sahel States
Image via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

About Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation in West Africa, located within the Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert. Its capital city is Ouagadougou, a busy urban center that serves as the country's administrative, commercial, and cultural heart. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, with cotton production and gold mining making significant contributions to exports. Traditional crafts such as woven textiles, wood carving, and pottery reflect the creativity of its many ethnic communities. Burkina Faso has built a notable cultural reputation, particularly through its film industry, which is among the most active on the continent. The biennial FESPACO film festival, held in Ouagadougou, celebrates African cinema and draws filmmakers, critics, and audiences from around the world. Its name, combining Mooré and Dioula words, is often translated as the land of upright people, a phrase that reflects the nation's proud identity.

Quick Facts about Burkina Faso
Population:
23,251,485 (2024 est.)
Country:
Burkina Faso
Region:
West Africa

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Etymology of the Burkina Faso Demonym

From Mooré 'burkina' (honest/upright) and Dioula 'faso' (fatherland), meaning 'land of upright people'.

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