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Places in News: Burkina Faso
Context:
The West African nation of Burkina Faso was once known for its lively arts scene. Now, it is a country torn apart by Islamist extremists and the government’s brutal effort to drive them out.
About
- Official Name: People’s Republic of Burkina Faso.
- Form of Government: Presidential republic.
- Capital city : Ouagadougou.
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF).
- Official Languages: French, Mossi, Bissa, Dyula, Fula.
- Location: landlocked country in western Africa, north of Ghana.
- It is bounded by Mali to the north and west, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast, and Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo to the south.
- Major Mountain Ranges: Mount Tenakourou (highest), Kanno, Kongourilé etc.
- Major Rivers: Three principal rivers—the Black Volta (Mouhoun), the Red Volta (Nazinon), and the White Volta (Nakambé).
- Natural Resources: Gold, manganese, zinc, limestone, marble, phosphates, pumice, salt.
- Climate: Hot tropical savanna in the south, tropical hot semi-arid steppe in the north, and a hot desert in the extreme north.
- Ethnic groups: Mosi, Fulani, Gurunsi, and Bissa. Other groups include Gurma, Bobo, Senufo, Bissa, Lobi, Tuareg/Bella.