Burkina Faso🇧🇫
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa, sharing borders with six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d'Ivoire to the southwest. Unfortunately, the country has tense relationships with its northern neighbors, especially Mali and Niger, due to recurring conflicts and terrorist activities. Its rich cultural heritage is expressed in its vibrant arts, masks, woven textiles, bronze statues, dance and music, making Burkina Faso a unique destination. The country is also known for its wildlife, with Po National Park being a main attraction for seeing West African lions, elephants, and buffalo.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid traveling to the Sahel Administrative region due to terrorism and kidnappings.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the rainy season as roads can become impassable.
- Avoid close contact with animals to protect yourself from diseases like rabies.
- Avoid public transportation if possible due to the poor conditions of vehicles and roads.
- Avoid walking alone at night and in isolated areas.
- Avoid drinking tap water due to potential contamination. Always choose bottled or treated water.
- Avoid travelling at night due to poor road conditions and increased risk of accidents.
- Avoid participating in political demonstrations or gatherings. Tensions can escalate quickly.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or other valuables, as instances of petty theft are common.
- Avoid revealing your sexual orientation if you belong to the LGBTQ+ community due to societal discrimination.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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The crime rate in Burkina Faso is relatively high, particularly in larger cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso. Common crimes include robbery, theft, and burglary, with an increasing number of violent crimes reported. Tourist and densely populated areas are typically targeted by criminals.
Terrorism 💣
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Burkina Faso suffers from significant terrorist activity, particularly from extremist groups operating near its northern and eastern borders. The most violent incident recently was in June 2021, in the village of Solhan, where more than 130 people were killed by unidentified armed men.
War ⚔️
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Conflict in Burkina Faso has escalated in recent years due to increased activity of armed militant groups, particularly in the northern regions. In addition to terrorist attacks, intercommunal violence has unfortunately become more common.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Burkina Faso is prone to natural disasters including floods and droughts. In 2009, the country suffered from severe floods which displaced thousands of people. Droughts, on the other hand, are recurrent and lead to food shortages.
Medical Care 🏥
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The healthcare system in Burkina Faso is underdeveloped with limited facilities, equipment, and staff. Outside the capital, medical facilities are extremely limited and often lack necessary supplies and adequately trained medical staff.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The tap water in Burkina Faso is not safe to drink. As per the World Health Organization, only 45% of the population has access to clean and safe drinking water. Waterborne diseases are prevalent due to contaminated water sources.
Disease Burden 🤒
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The country has a high burden of various diseases including malaria, yellow fever, and meningitis. The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, though lower than many African nations, is a significant public health issue.
Corruption 💸
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Despite attempts to fight corruption, Burkina Faso continues to face significant levels of corruption, particularly in the judicial system, police, and public services. Transparency International's 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked it 78 out of 180 countries.
Safety for Women ♀️
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While Burkina Faso is generally safe for women, harassment, including catcalling and following, can occur, especially in larger cities. Night travel and solo travel are discouraged.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While homosexuality is legal in Burkina Faso, societal discrimination persists. The LGBTQ+ community members may face societal discrimination and are typically discreet about their sexuality.
Censorship 📺
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While Burkina Faso enjoys a relatively free press, there have been instances of censorship, particularly during periods of political instability. In 2015, a failed coup led to temporary media blackouts and arrest of several journalists.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transport is available in Burkina Faso, but it is often overcrowded, undermaintained, and lacks safety regulations. Traveling is often halted due to poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Despite Burkina Faso's rich culture and beautiful landscapes, the country is suffering from various safety issues such as terrorism, crime, and low-quality healthcare. Its political instability also plays a big factor in its low safety rating. Travel to Burkina Faso requires caution and thorough preparations, including sufficient health coverage and emergency evacuation plans.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Several countries have embassies in Burkina Faso, including the USA, Germany, Canada, France, and United Kingdom. Most are based in the capital city, Ouagadougou.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Travelers to Burkina Faso should ensure they are vaccinated against diseases like yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, and meningitis, as well as being up to date with routine vaccinations.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Dangerous animals in Burkina Faso include hyenas, snakes (e.g. puff adders, cobras), crocodiles, and mosquitoes (for malaria). It's advised to avoid close contact with wild animals and to take preventive measures against mosquito bites.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Visa requirements for Burkina Faso vary. Many nationalities need a visa to enter the country, which can be obtained either on arrival or before traveling.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Major cities and hotels accept credit cards, but cash is preferred in rural areas and smaller establishments.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are generally accepted in larger cities, restaurants, and hotels. However, it's important to have cash in local currency, especially when traveling in rural areas.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel opportunities in Burkina Faso are relatively limited due to safety and political instability issues. However, opportunities may exist in NGOs, teaching, and agriculture sectors.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Cost of travel and living is relatively low in Burkina Faso compared to western standards. However, it is moderately high compared to some other West African countries.