Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It 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.

Burkina Faso has a population of over 20 million people and is known for its diverse culture, including the rich traditions of its various ethnic groups. The country's economy is primarily agriculture-based, with cotton being a major export crop. Burkina Faso faces challenges such as poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and periodic droughts.

The official language is French, and the predominant religion is Islam, followed by Christianity and indigenous beliefs. Burkina Faso gained independence from France in 1960 and has since experienced periods of political stability and military coups.

The country is known for its vibrant music and dance traditions, with popular music styles such as zouglou and burkinabé. Burkina Faso also has a rich tradition of filmmaking, with the FESPACO film festival being one of the largest in Africa.