The historic existence of powerful kingdoms in the eastern and central parts of the country (Ouagadougou, Tenkodogo, Yatenga and Gourma) has left its mark on the history of Burkina Faso. France colonized the country then known as Upper Volta at the end of the XIX century, which eventually gained independence in 1960.
On august 4, 1984 Upper Volta became known as Burkina Faso (country of the upright people, full of courage and worthy of respect). In 2001 the population was estimated at 11.9 million inhabitants with a density of 37 inhabitants per km². Ouagadougou, the capital, is the largest city (approximately 700 000 inhabitants) and Bobo-Dioulasso, is the largest economic center (more than 300 000 inhabitants). Burkina Faso is mostly a flat savanna country.
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Burkina Faso is a completely landlocked Western Africa country and is situated at more than 500 km north of the Guinea Gulf coast. The country borders Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger and Mali
Its slogan is "Unity, Progress, Justice"
President Blaise COMPAORÉ directs the country as the first elected president of the 4th Republic.
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