Situated in West Africa, Burkina Faso borders 6 countries : to the north and west Mali, to the east Niger and the south Benin, Togo, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Burkina Faso is situated on a plateau with an average altitude of 250 to 350 m.
The country’s highest point is Tena Kourou, a mountain of 747 metres, where Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast meet. Three rivers flow from the north to the south of the country (Black Volta, Red Volta and White Volta). Almost the whole of Burkina Faso has a savannah climate, characterised by the alteration of dry and humid seasons, by strong sun and by high temperatures. A cold, dry season runs from November to March, a hot, dry season from March to May and a hot, humid season from May to November.
The capital is Ouagadougou (pop: 750 000). The other main cities are: Bobo-Dioulasso (pop: 350 000), Koudougou (pop: 60 000), Ouahigouya (pop: 51 000), Banfora (pop: 36 000), Kaya (pop: 34 000), Tenkodogo (pop: 31 800). The people are made up of: the Mossis, Peuls, Mandés, Gurunsis, Dioulas, Lobis, Bobos and Touaregs. The main religious groups are Animistics (50%), Muslims(35%) and Christians(15%). 83% of the population’s employment is in agriculture.
