Burkina Faso was once part of French West Africa, but before European colonization, the people of this area had a well-organized government with officials of royal lineage, who ruled so wisely that the diverse ethnic groups were all satisfied with their administration.

Today Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world with almost no natural  resources. It is located inland, on the edge of the Sahara desert with weather that is extremely hot—123 degrees on some days, but with a messy rainy season that brings mosquitoes carrying malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. The people depend upon the rainy season so that they can grow food to eat.

The capital of Burkina Faso is Ougadougou and the second largest city is Bobo-Dioulasso. Even in the cities, but especially in the countryside, most of the people live in mud-brick huts with thatched roofs and do not have electricity or running water. 

Fifty percent of the people are Muslim, 17% are Christian (mostly Catholics), and the rest of the people follow traditional religions.  Just a few years back the number of Christians was only 10%.

In spite of the poverty of Burkina Faso, the people are resourceful and known all over Africa for their intelligence and creativity. Every year Burkina Faso hosts a pan African festival with films, drama, music, and other arts.