Burkina Faso

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Introducing Burkina Faso

Standing at the geographical heart of West Africa, Burkina Faso (formerly Haute or Upper Volta, or just Burkina to the locals) is the sort of place that captures the imagination – how many of your friends back home even know that Burkina Faso exists? – and wins the hearts of travellers with its relaxed pace of life, friendly people and wealth of interesting sights.

From the deserts and unrivalled Gorom-Gorom market in the north, to the green country­side and strange rock formations of the country’s southwest, Burkina spans a rich variety of landscapes. The country, too, is home to a fascinating cultural mix, with the Burkinabé (people from Burkina Faso) almost as diverse as the terrain.

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Portrait of person at Thursday Market in Gorom Gorom.
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Portrait of person at Thursday Market in Gorom Gorom.

Lonely Planet photographer
  • Matthew Schoenfelder
  • Lonely Planet photographer
  • Thursday Market in Gorom Gorom.
  • Family returning from gathering firewood outside town of Sindou, with Peaks of Sindou in background.
  • Small village near Sindou.
  • A traditional advertising sign for a doctor, showing the various conditions that are treated.
  • A young Gourmantche girl holding a decorated Nigerian bowl on her head.
  • The Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso, unique Sudanese mud architecture.
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