The correct spelling of the African country's name is Burkina Faso, and its pronunciation is /bərˈkiːnə ˈfɑːsoʊ/. The word "Burkina" is derived from the Mòoré language and means "land of honest people," while "Faso" comes from the Dioula language meaning "fatherland." The word "Burkina" is spelled with a silent "u," and the emphasis is on the second syllable, "ki." The "Faso" is pronounced "fah-soh" with a slight emphasis on the "soh."
Burkina is a proper noun that refers to a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is officially known as Burkina Faso, which translates to "Land of Incorruptible People." With an area of approximately 274,200 square kilometers, Burkina Faso is bordered by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the southwest. The capital city is Ouagadougou, which also serves as the country's largest city.
The name Burkina has various interpretations. The term "burkina" signifies "honest" or "upright" in the Gulmanché language, spoken by the Mossi people, who are the largest ethnic group in the country. It is a reflection of Burkina Faso's emphasis on transparency and integrity in governance and society. The nation gained independence from France on August 5, 1960, and adopted the name Burkina Faso on August 4, 1984, following a revolution that ousted the previous regime.
Burkina Faso is known for its diverse culture, encompassing numerous ethnic groups, including the Mossi, Fulani, Gurma, and Senufo. Its official language is French, which is widely spoken alongside various indigenous languages. The country's economy relies heavily on agriculture, mining, and textiles, with cotton being the primary export. Burkina Faso faces several challenges, including poverty, political instability, and security issues related to terrorism, but it continues to strive for development and progress.