Burkina Faso: Land of Upright People

Burkina Faso, meaning "Land of Upright People," is a landlocked Sahel nation in West Africa. Former president Thomas Sankara renamed the country from Upper Volta and promoted African self-reliance before his assassination in 1987.

Ouagadougou, the capital, hosts FESPACO, Africa's largest film festival, making Burkina Faso important in African cinema. The country's ethnic diversity includes Mossi, Fulani, and many others. Traditional masks and crafts are culturally significant. Despite being one of the world's poorest countries, Burkinabè maintain vibrant culture and community spirit.

Cotton is the main export, though the economy remains largely agricultural and vulnerable to drought. Gold mining has grown in importance. Burkina Faso faces security challenges from extremist groups. Thomas Sankara's legacy of anti-imperialism and self-sufficiency continues inspiring many Africans. The country emphasizes education and women's rights despite resource constraints.