World Happiness Report for Burkina Faso 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Burkina Faso: 110
- Happiness Score Burkina Faso:4.548
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Burkina Faso. BF.
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa with a parliamentary republic political structure. The country is known for its rich culture, including traditional music and dance, as well as its vibrant handicraft industry. Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world, with the majority of its population relying on agriculture for their livelihood.
Three interesting facts about Burkina Faso:
- It was formerly known as Upper Volta until its name change in 1984.
- The country is home to the ruins of the ancient city of Loropeni, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Burkina Faso is known for its bi-annual international film festival, FESPACO, which is the largest in Africa.
Burkina Faso – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History:
The area of present-day Burkina Faso has been inhabited since ancient times by various ethnic groups, including the Mossi, Lobi, and Gurunsi. The region was home to several powerful kingdoms and empires, such as the Mossi kingdoms of Ouagadougou and Tenkodogo, which thrived from the 11th to the 19th centuries.
Kingdoms and Empires:
The territory of Burkina Faso was influenced by the Ghana Empire (8th to 13th century), the Mali Empire (13th to 16th century), and the Songhai Empire (15th to 16th century). These empires controlled trade routes and facilitated the spread of Islam in the region.
Colonial Period:
In the late 19th century, the area became a French protectorate known as Upper Volta. French colonial rule lasted until 1960, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s administrative systems, language, and culture.
Independence and Modern Era:
Burkina Faso gained independence from France on August 5, 1960, under the name Republic of Upper Volta. It experienced several coups and political instability in the following decades. In 1984, the country’s name was changed to Burkina Faso, meaning “land of upright people.” Despite challenges, Burkina Faso has made efforts to establish democratic institutions and address issues like poverty and education.
Current Political Situation:
Burkina Faso is a semi-presidential republic. The current president is Ibrahim Traoré, who took power in a military coup in September 2022. The country has faced political unrest and security challenges, including a conflict with Islamist militants.
International Relations:
Burkina Faso maintains diplomatic relations with various countries and is a member of organizations like the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). However, the country has faced regional tensions due to the ongoing conflict with Islamist militants.
Human Development and Economy:
Burkina Faso is a low-income country with agriculture, mining, and services as the main economic sectors. It has made progress in areas like education and health but continues to face challenges related to poverty, food insecurity, and access to resources.
Cultural Highlights:
Burkina Faso is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Mossi, Fulani, and Bobo. Islam and indigenous religions are widely practiced. The country is known for its rich arts and crafts, including music, dance, sculpture, and textiles.
Burkina Faso faces significant challenges related to political instability, security threats, poverty, and environmental issues like desertification. However, the country’s cultural diversity, resilience, and efforts towards sustainable development present opportunities for progress.
Main facts
Location
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is situated in the northern portion of the sub-region known as the West Sudanian Savanna, with a small desert region in the north. Burkina Faso is bordered by Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the southwest.
Map References
Burkina Faso is located in Western Africa.
Area – Comparative
Burkina Faso has an area of 274,200 sq km, slightly larger than the state of New Mexico in the United States.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Burkina Faso has a total land boundary of 3,193 km, shared with the following countries:
Coastline
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country with no coastline.
Maritime Claims
As a landlocked country, Burkina Faso has no maritime claims.
Climate
Burkina Faso has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy season from June to September, and a dry season from October to May. The northern region experiences a hot and semi-arid climate, while the south is characterized by a humid, sub-tropical climate.
Terrain
Burkina Faso’s terrain is predominantly flat, with rolling plains and hills. The country’s landscape is dominated by the Mossi Plateau in the central and northern regions, and the Banfora Escarpment in the southwest. Major rivers include the Black Volta, White Volta, and Red Volta.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Burkina Faso is Tena Kourou Hill, at 749 m above sea level, located in the southwestern region. The lowest point is the Basin of the Niger River, at 200 m above sea level.
Natural Resources
Burkina Faso’s natural resources include manganese, limestone, marble, small deposits of gold, phosphates, pumice, and salt.
Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Burkina Faso are:
- Black Volta River (shared with Ghana)
- White Volta River (shared with Ghana)
- Red Volta River (shared with Ghana)
- Mouhoun River (shared with Mali and Ivory Coast)
- Kompienga Reservoir
Natural Hazards
Common natural hazards in Burkina Faso include recurring droughts, dust storms, and occasional severe storms in the savanna regions.
Geography – Notes
Burkina Faso’s landlocked position and limited natural resources pose significant challenges for economic development. Environmental issues, such as soil degradation, deforestation, and desertification, are ongoing concerns for the country.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 19.30%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 3,418. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 44.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 12.238333-1.561593.
- Capital: The capital of Burkina Faso is Ouagadougou
- Major Cities:
- Ouagadougou – Population: 2,200,000
- Bobo-Dioulasso – Population: 750,000
- Koudougou – Population: 90,000
- Population: 20,321,378
- Area(Km2): 274200
- Population Density( P/Km²):76. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:226
- Official Language(s):French (official) 65%, Other indigenous languages 35%
- Currency: XOF
Main Economic Indicators
Burkina Faso has a small, undiversified economy that remains highly dependent on agriculture and cotton exports. The country faces significant economic challenges, including low per capita income, high population growth, and limited resources. Notable economic policies focus on promoting private sector investment, diversifying the economy, and improving infrastructure.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2022: 8.9% (estimate)
2021: 3.9%
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook Database
Credit Ratings
Fitch: Not Rated
Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 20.5%
Industry: 22.6%
Services: 56.9%
Note: Data for 2017 (World Bank estimates)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Cotton, peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, sorghum, millet, corn, rice
Industrial Products: Cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 8.9 million (2020 estimate)
Global Ranking: 63rd
Current Account Balance
2022: -$1.37 billion (estimate)
2021: -$1.17 billion
Global Ranking: 147th (2021)
Exports and Imports
Exports (2021): $4.05 billion
Key Export Partners: Switzerland, India, Singapore, Burkina Faso, United Arab Emirates
Main Exports: Gold, cotton, oilseeds, livestock
Imports (2021): $5.92 billion
Key Import Partners: China, Ivory Coast, France, Ghana, India
Main Imports: Machinery, transport equipment, petroleum products, cereals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves (2021): $2.2 billion
Gold Reserves (2021): 6.9 tons
- GDP (Current US$):$15,745,810,235. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 15.00%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 41.30%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.98. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.34. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 6.26%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Burkinabè
Adjective: Burkinabè
2. Ethnic Groups
– Mossi: 52.5%
– Fulani: 8.4%
– Gurma: 6.8%
– Bobo: 4.9%
– Gurunsi: 4.8%
– Senufo: 4.5%
– Other: 18.1%
3. Religions
– Muslim: 61.6%
– Roman Catholic: 23.7%
– Traditional Beliefs: 7.3%
– Protestant: 6.5%
– Other: 0.9%
4. Age Structure
– 0-14 years: 44.63%
– 15-64 years: 52.54%
– 65 years and over: 2.83%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 89.9
Youth Dependency Ratio: 84.9
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 5.0
6. Median Age
Total: 17.8 years
Male: 17.5 years
Female: 18.2 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 5.6%
Alcohol Consumption: 6.7 liters per capita (aged 15+ years)
Tobacco Use: 14.1% of adults (aged 15+)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 61.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 36.3%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:37.93. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 5.19. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 13.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 6,092,349. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):36.10%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The security forces of Burkina Faso are composed of the Army, Air Force, and National Gendarmerie. The Army serves as the primary ground force, while the Air Force provides air support and transport capabilities. The National Gendarmerie is a paramilitary force responsible for maintaining internal security and supporting the military in times of crisis.
Military Expenditures
Military Spending as a Percentage of GDP (Last 5 Years):
- 2018: 1.6%
- 2017: 1.6%
- 2016: 1.5%
- 2015: 1.4%
- 2014: 1.3%
Burkina Faso’s military spending is relatively low compared to global averages, ranking around the 100th position globally in terms of military expenditures as a percentage of GDP.
Personnel Strengths
Total Active-Duty Military Personnel: Approximately 11,200
Breakdown by Service Branch:
- Army: 7,000
- Air Force: 800
- National Gendarmerie: 3,400
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Burkina Faso’s military equipment primarily consists of light armored vehicles, artillery, and small arms. The inventory includes domestically produced and imported equipment from countries like France, China, and Russia. There are ongoing efforts to modernize and acquire additional equipment, particularly for counter-terrorism operations.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Burkina Faso is voluntary, with an enlistment age range of 18 to 35 years. There is no mandatory military conscription in place.
Military Deployments
Burkina Faso currently has a modest deployment of troops as part of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), contributing approximately 600 personnel.
Strategic Military Notes
Burkina Faso’s defense strategy focuses on counter-terrorism efforts and maintaining internal security, particularly in the northern regions where terrorist groups operate. The military cooperates with regional partners and international organizations like the United Nations and the African Union to address security challenges.
Burkina Faso is a member of the G5 Sahel joint force, a regional security initiative aimed at combating terrorism and enhancing cross-border cooperation in the Sahel region.
- Armed Forces Size: 11000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.08
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 66.40%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.