Burkina Faso

The National Flag of Burkina Faso

The national flag of Burkina Faso is a symbol of unity, revolution, and hope, reflecting the country’s rich history and aspirations. The flag of Burkina Faso, often referred to simply as the Burkina Faso flag, consists of two horizontal stripes of red and green, with a yellow five-pointed star centered over the dividing line. Each element of the flag holds significant meaning, representing the values and history of Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso Flag Clip Art Images, Background and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Burkina Faso Flag Image

To download an image of the Burkina Faso flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Burkina Faso Flag

The Burkina Faso flag features a design that is rich in symbolism and meaning:

• Red (#EF3340): Represents the revolution and the sacrifices made by the people in the struggle for independence and social justice.
• Green (#009639): Symbolizes the country’s natural wealth, agriculture, and hope for a prosperous future.
• Yellow Star (#FFD100): The five-pointed yellow star stands for the guiding light of the revolution and the unity of the nation.

The Origins and Design of the Burkina Faso Flag

The flag of Burkina Faso has a rich history that reflects the nation’s journey toward independence and unity. The current flag was adopted on August 4, 1984, following a popular revolution that sought to redefine the country’s identity and break away from its colonial past.

The Birth of a National Symbol

The adoption of the current flag coincided with the change of the country’s name from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means “Land of Incorruptible People” in the Mossi and Dioula languages. The new flag was introduced under the leadership of President Thomas Sankara, who aimed to inspire a sense of national pride and unity.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the Burkina Faso flag is deeply rooted in the country’s revolutionary history and aspirations:

• Red: Represents the revolutionary struggle and the blood of those who fought for the nation’s freedom.
• Green: Symbolizes the natural riches of the land, including agriculture and the environment, highlighting the importance of sustainable development.
• Yellow Star: Signifies the guiding light of the revolution and the hope for a brighter future, uniting all the people of Burkina Faso.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the Burkina Faso flag include:

• Horizontal Stripes: The red and green stripes reflect the revolutionary spirit and the nation’s agricultural wealth.
• Yellow Star: Positioned in the center, the star represents unity and the revolutionary ideals that continue to guide the nation.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The Burkina Faso flag was officially adopted on August 4, 1984, replacing the former flag of Upper Volta. This change marked a significant shift in the nation’s identity and aspirations, emphasizing a break from the colonial legacy and a move toward self-determination and unity.

The Flag in Modern Burkinabe Identity

Today, the flag of Burkina Faso is a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. It is prominently displayed during national holidays, such as Independence Day on August 5 and Revolution Day on August 4. The flag serves as a reminder of the country’s history, cultural heritage, and the ongoing commitment to progress and solidarity among its people.

The Significance of the Burkina Faso Flag

The flag of Burkina Faso holds a deep and significant place in the hearts of its people, symbolizing the rich history, culture, and unity of the nation. Displaying the Burkina Faso flag is an act of patriotism and respect, and it is done according to specific guidelines and on designated days that hold special meaning for the country.

When the Flag of Burkina Faso Can Be Displayed

The flag of Burkina Faso may be displayed on any day, but there are specific guidelines for when and how it should be presented. The flag should always be treated with the utmost respect, never touching the ground, and should be handled with care. It can be flown on public buildings, in schools, at government institutions, and during official ceremonies. Citizens are also encouraged to display the flag at their homes during national holidays and important commemorations.

Flag Days and National Holidays

In Burkina Faso, there are several official flag days and national holidays when the flag is prominently displayed:

• August 4 – Revolution Day: This day commemorates the 1983 revolution led by Thomas Sankara. Ceremonies across the country honor the revolutionary spirit, and people are encouraged to display the flag proudly.
• August 5 – Independence Day: Marks the country’s independence from French colonial rule in 1960. The flag is central to the celebrations, with parades, cultural events, and patriotic displays nationwide.
• December 11 – Proclamation of the Republic Day: Celebrates the establishment of the Republic of Upper Volta in 1958, which later became Burkina Faso. The flag is prominently featured in events and ceremonies.

Love for the Flag and Patriotism

The Burkina Faso flag is not just a national symbol; it is a representation of the pride and love that Burkinabe have for their country. The flag’s design—the red and green stripes with the central yellow star—embodies the nation’s history, unity, and enduring spirit. Citizens demonstrate their love for the flag and their patriotism in various ways. During national holidays, the flag is displayed everywhere—from homes and public spaces to clothing and decorations. Schools instill a sense of respect for the flag from a young age, often including flag ceremonies as part of the daily routine. The national anthem is often sung in conjunction with the raising or lowering of the flag, further strengthening the emotional connection to this powerful symbol.

Burkina Faso Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1E7 U+1F1EB
• UTF-16: D83C DDE7 D83C DDEB

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇧🇫
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇧🇫

3. CSS

content: "\1F1E7\1F1EB";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const bfFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDEB";

// Java Example
String bfFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDEB";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$bfFlag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1EB}";

// Ruby Example
bf_flag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1EB}"

6. Perl

my $bfFlag = "\x{1F1E7}\x{1F1EB}";

7. Python

bf_flag = "\U0001F1E7\U0001F1EB"

8. C#

string bfFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDEB";

9. Swift

let bfFlag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1EB}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *bfFlag = @"\U0001F1E7\U0001F1EB";

11. JSON

{
  "bfFlag": "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDEB"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDEB');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

bf_flag=$'\U1F1E7\U1F1EB'

14. Go (Golang)

bfFlag := "\U0001F1E7\U0001F1EB"

15. Kotlin

val bfFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDEB"

About Burkina Faso

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Mali to the north and west, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d’Ivoire to the southwest. The geography of Burkina Faso is characterized by:

• Mostly flat terrain with undulating plains and hills
• The Sudan-Sahel zone in the north, featuring savannah and semi-arid landscapes
• The Sudan-Guinea zone in the south, with more wooded savannahs
• Major rivers such as the Mouhoun (Black Volta), Nakambé (White Volta), and Nazinon (Red Volta)
• Seasonal lakes and wetlands, including Lake Bam and Lake Dem

Burkina Faso Map

Area and Population

Burkina Faso covers an area of approximately 274,200 square kilometers. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 21 million people.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

Burkina Faso is a culturally diverse country with more than 60 ethnic groups. The major ethnic groups include:

• Mossi: approximately 40% of the population
• Fulani (Peul): around 8%
• Bobo: about 7%
• Gurunsi: roughly 6%
• Senufo: approximately 5%
• Smaller groups such as Lobi, Bissa, and others make up the rest

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Burkina Faso”

The name “Burkina Faso” was adopted in 1984, replacing the colonial name “Upper Volta.” It combines words from two major local languages: “Burkina” from Mossi meaning “upright” or “honest,” and “Faso” from Dioula meaning “father’s house,” translating to “Land of the Upright People.”

History

The history of Burkina Faso includes:

• Pre-colonial period: Dominated by the Mossi kingdoms established around the 11th century
• Colonial era: Became part of French West Africa in the late 19th century
• Independence: Gained independence from France on August 5, 1960, as the Republic of Upper Volta
• Political changes: A series of coups leading to the rise of Captain Thomas Sankara in 1983, who initiated progressive reforms
• Recent history: Continued efforts toward democratization amid challenges like political instability and security issues

Government and Politics

Capital

Ouagadougou is the capital of Burkina Faso. It serves as the administrative, economic, and cultural center of the country.

Government and Politics

Burkina Faso operates as a semi-presidential republic. The government is divided into:

• Executive branch: Led by the President (head of state) and the Prime Minister (head of government)
• Legislative branch: A unicameral National Assembly
• Judicial branch: An independent judiciary system

The country has experienced periods of political instability but continues to work toward democratic governance.

Values and Culture

Core values in Burkina Faso include community solidarity, respect for tradition, and hospitality. The society emphasizes dignity, integrity, and the importance of family ties.

Religion

Burkina Faso is religiously diverse. The main religions are:

• Islam: Practiced by about 60% of the population
• Christianity: Around 23%, including both Catholics and Protestants
• Indigenous beliefs: Approximately 15%

Holidays

Major public holidays in Burkina Faso include:

• Independence Day: August 5
• National Revolution Day: August 4
• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: Islamic festivals celebrated nationwide
• Christmas Day: December 25
• Festival of Masks: Cultural event showcasing traditional masks and dances

Demographics and Society

Language

The official language is French, used in government and education. Indigenous languages are widely spoken, including:

• Mooré: Spoken by the Mossi people
• Dioula: A lingua franca in commerce and western regions
• Fulfulde: Spoken by the Fulani community

Society and Sports

Burkina Faso places a strong emphasis on community and cultural traditions. Popular sports include:

• Football (soccer): The most popular sport, with a national team known as “Les Étalons” (The Stallions)
• Traditional wrestling: A sport with cultural significance
• Cycling: Annual events like the Tour du Faso attract international participants

Safety

Safety varies across the country. While urban areas like Ouagadougou are generally safe, some regions face security challenges due to terrorism and regional conflicts. The government is working to improve security measures.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Burkina Faso’s economy is primarily based on:

• Agriculture: Employs about 80% of the workforce; main crops include cotton, sorghum, millet, maize, peanuts, and rice
• Mining: Significant gold production, making it one of Africa’s top gold producers
• Services: Including telecommunications and banking sectors

Challenges include limited natural resources, landlocked geography, and reliance on subsistence farming.

Currency

The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF), shared with seven other West African countries and pegged to the Euro.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Burkina Faso is renowned for its rich cultural heritage:

• Cinema: Hosts the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), a significant event in African cinema
• Music: Traditional music features instruments like the balafon, djembe, and kora
• Art and Craft: Known for bronze casting, mask making, and intricate textiles

Cuisine

Burkinabe cuisine is based on staple foods such as millet, sorghum, rice, maize, and yams. Key dishes include:

• Tô: A dough-like staple made from millet or sorghum, served with various sauces
• Riz gras: A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and meat
• Sauce gombo: Okra sauce often served with tô or rice

National Anthem

The national anthem is “Ditanyè,” also known as “L’Hymne de la victoire” (“Anthem of Victory”), composed by former President Thomas Sankara.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Burkina Faso’s transportation network includes:

• Roads: A network connecting major cities and neighboring countries, though road conditions can vary
• Railways: A rail line linking Ouagadougou to Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire
• Airports: International airports in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso

Time Zone

Burkina Faso operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT 0) year-round.

Web and Phone Code

The internet country code is “.bf,” and the international dialing code is +226.

Burkina Faso: Things to See and Do

Burkina Faso offers a rich cultural experience, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. Here are some top attractions:

Explore National Parks

• Arli National Park: Home to elephants, lions, hippos, and various antelope species
• W National Park: Part of a transboundary reserve with Niger and Benin, known for its biodiversity
• Nazinga Reserve: Offers wildlife viewing and safari tours, especially for elephant sightings

Visit Cultural Sites

• Tiebele: Famous for traditional Gourounsi architecture with elaborately painted houses
• Bobo-Dioulasso: Known for its Grand Mosque and vibrant music scene
• Ouagadougou Crafts Market: A place to purchase traditional crafts like textiles and carvings

Experience Festivals

• FESPACO: Attend the Pan-African Film and Television Festival in Ouagadougou
• Festival of Masks (Festima): Showcasing traditional masks and dances from various ethnic groups
• Semaine Nationale de la Culture (SNC): A national cultural week celebrating music, dance, and arts

Discover Natural Wonders

• Domes of Fabedougou: Unique rock formations ideal for hiking and photography
• Karfiguela Falls: Also known as Banfora Cascades, perfect for picnics and swimming
• Lake Tengrela: A serene lake where hippos can be observed in their natural habitat

Engage with Local Communities

• Visit local markets to experience daily life and purchase handmade crafts
• Participate in community-based tourism to learn about traditional lifestyles and customs

Savor the Cuisine

• Try local dishes at street stalls and restaurants
• Enjoy traditional beverages like dolo (millet beer) and zoom koom (spicy ginger drink)