BURKINA FASO
GEOGRAPHY
The country was earlier referred to as Haute or Upper Volta. Since 1984 it is known as Burkina Faso; these words belong to more and Dioula tribes which mean ‘the land of upright people’.
It is a landlocked country in the central hump of western Africa; bordered in south west by the Ivory Coast 584 km, Mali 1000 km towards north, Ghana 549 km, and Togo 126 km are in the south, Benin 306 km in its south-east, and easterly Niger 628 km.
The country is undulating plateau with grassland and savanna. West and southeast are on elevation. The mainstays of the economy of this extremely poor country are agriculture and stock-raising. The yields are often insufficient due to terrible droughts.
Agriculture produce includes maize, millet, rice cotton, sesame, groundnuts, sorghum, and shea-nuts yielding oil. Nomadic tribes breed cattle.
The mineral wealth includes iron, and manganese ores, titanium, uranium, limestone, graphite, and gold.
Since the country has no direct access to the sea, external trade relies on truck roads and railways linking the country with the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Togo.
Chief rivers are Black Noir Volta or Mouhoun is the biggest river of the land semi navigable, White Blanc Volta and Red Rouge Volta.
Some of the big cities are Bobo-Dioulasso, Ouahigouya, Banfora and Koudougou.
The lowest ebb is at 200m in Mouhoun and the highest elevation stands at 749m at Tena Kourou.
THE CAPITAL
Ougadougou is the capital of this nation. The international airport here is connected with many international flights. The capital city has well maintained parks namely the revered notable site the Zone du Bois or La Faret overlooking the jungle, with walking trail for leisure stroll and a small zoo. The most popular with children is the swampy land with crocodiles in it.
Visitors enjoy gazing at Naba Koom a stone structure of a lady carry calabash about to surge water in company of Laongo in granite surroundings.
Another park called Bangr Weogo and also the park of Forest Knowledge; its significance lies in the religious induction and tranquility for which people throng the place. The place exists since French times.
The Moro Naba Palace has once a week ceremony on Friday where well turned out horse-guards honor pay tribute to warriors in a simple ceremony.
A few hours drive towards south leads to Reserve de Nazinga famous for herd of elephants.
There are good eating joints and respectful courteous hotels for stay.
THE CLIMATE
The nation has a moderate comfortable temperature from October till December. June to September is rainy season, the south region is moist and uncomfortable and roads not fit for traveling. The dusty haze lingers in the sky because of Harmattan winds between December and February but it is chilly. The scorching season makes its appearance in March and concludes in June.
The right time to be here is between November and February. Summer clothing best suit this season. Keep scarf or big piece of cloth to keep away dusty winds.
POPULATION
Its national composition is basically of two chief segments the Voltaic and Mande unified by use of the same Dioula language; other minor segments are Mossi, Fulbe, Tuaregs, Lobi, Bobo, Fulani, Mandingo, Senoufo and Dyula.
Religion practiced is Animist, Islam and Roman Catholic.
French has been given official recognition as the language of communication. Other language popularly spoken is local African dialect such as Moore, Dioula etc.
The money is called CFA franc
THE HISTORY
The existing history records show that Mossi natives lived in and around Volta River 1500 years ago. The Kingdom was superior in the art of warfare. They were always on lookout for extension of territory and thus created new alliances with neighboring nations. In the 14th century the region was inhabited by Bobo, Lobi, Mossi, and gourounsi tribes. In the middle of the 19th century France invaded the territory of Mossi state and plundered Upper Volta.
The nation became a free country from France in 1960. By now Burkina Faso was an impoverished poor land. After independence the internal power struggle among different fractions continued into 1980s; some semblance of stability came in 1990s. At present it is a semi-presidential republic.
TOURISM
Tourism is yet to develop as an industry here but the region along with its other attractions has leisure pace of life and warm welcoming natives. The tourists will be engrossed by its ever changing landscape as they travel north to Gorom-Gorom Market the wide expanse of desert is alluring, move south-east to the pastures dotted with rocky topology. Eco tourism can be appreciated at Kabore Tempi National Park, W National Park Arli National Park and many more such parks. A lot of thrill at each turn to say the least!
The country boasts of herds of elephants in wilderness; the reserved area has abundant of wild life like lions, monkeys, hippos, antelopes, and warthogs.
The attraction at Bobo-Dioulasso for art appreciators is the Centre Cultural Francaise; there are exhibits on regular basis. The public jostling Grand Marche is delightful and gratifying as you shop. Every thing from minor to major is available here for purchase. Masee Provincial du Houet has among other things beautiful sculptured art.There is a modern museum at Banfora called Le Musee Nationale highlighting native culture of past and present. The Tengrela Lake with hippos wandering in murky water during daytime attracts a lot of tourist here. Even in monsoon the cascading waterfall in full flow is a sight of beauty. The reserve in the area even though not very huge finds a lot tourist in day safari trip. Then there is Domes de Febedougou river abrasion shaped stones over the centuries; these now look like pillars.
Shopping
The traditional masks big small simple intricate are still in vogue here during ceremonies and dance. Tourists are attracted by these unique items and buy them either for decorating the house or as gift. Bukinabe traditional craft is appealing and inexpensive.
Batik analogous tiny or legend depiction prints on fabrics and greeting cards make good souvenir items. These are procurable all through the nation. Bukinabe cotton is attractive.
Mossi and Bobo conventional wooden mask make good decoration pieces and so do the slender wooden figures delicately made.
Food
Some of the traditional dishes are ‘To’ made with corn and eaten with a sauce; the native pizza equivalent Fufu or Ragout d’Igmane prepared by local potatoes alike and served with tomato sauce. A rice dish prepared with tomato sauce is Riz Gras is available at all street corners as well. Haricots verts are green beans in sauce; petitis pois are a peas dish in sauce.
Soup of chicken fish etc is served with salad in a very healthy combination. Relish the native Poulet Televise or the roasted chicken.
Snacks for munching at all times include Beignets, frech fries or fried ignames, Alloco, Brochettes, and Porc au four a pork dish and a sauce.
The food is accompanied with drinks like cold tea Bisap of hibiscus flavor, Yamoku is made from ginger, a baobab fruit drink is Toedo, sweet Degue a yoghurt drink, and millet beer called Dole.
Music
There is a wide choice in the music selection here; every ethnic group has its specific kind of music. Most of the music is melodious with toe tapping quality. Tourists enjoy it as they eat or are on the floor dancing.
Accommodation
Luxury and economy hotels here suit all budgets. There are good alternatives for backpackers as well.
Many tourist head for the land during festival times; the Pan-African Film Festival at Ouagadougou every alternate year and Semaine Nationale de la Culture held annually at Bobo-Dioulasso. Tourism is steadily increasing each year and it is not surprising to find them all through the year now.
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