Burkina Faso

Languages:

Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African country, is home to a rich linguistic diversity, with more than 60 languages spoken across its territory. The official language is French, inherited from its colonial past, and is used in government administration, education, and formal communication. However, indigenous languages play a significant role in everyday life and cultural expression. Moore, spoken by around 50% of the population, is the most widely spoken indigenous language, followed by Dyula, which serves as a regional trade language. Other prominent languages include Gourmanché, Fulfulde, and Bissa, among others.

Religion:

Burkina Faso is characterized by religious diversity and tolerance, with a multitude of religious beliefs coexisting peacefully. Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by approximately 60% of the population, primarily adhering to the Sunni branch. The second-largest religious group is Christianity, accounting for around 23% of the population, divided between Roman Catholicism and various Protestant denominations. Traditional indigenous religions, such as animism, are practiced by approximately 15% of the population, with many individuals syncretizing elements of Islam or Christianity with local beliefs. Other religious groups, such as Buddhists and Baha'is, represent a small percentage of the population.

Ethnic Groups:

Mossi 52%, Fulani 8.4%, Gurma 7%, Bobo 4.9%, Gurunsi 4.6%, Senufo 4.5%, Bissa 3.7%, Lobi 2.4%, Dagara 2.4%, Tuareg/Bella 1.9%, Dioula 0.8%, unspecified/no answer 0.3%, other 7.2% (2010 est.)