Burkina Faso is a country in West Africa known for its diverse heritage and culture. It is home to various ethnic groups, with different languages and customs, making it demographically and culturally rich. In this article we will look at the demographics, ethnic composition and religious beliefs of the population of Burkina Faso.
According to the latest census in 2019, the total population of Burkina Faso is about 20 million. The country has a high population density of more than 74 people per square kilometer. The majority of the population lives in rural areas, and only about 30% of the population lives in cities and urban areas.
The ethnic composition of Burkina Faso is very diverse. The country is inhabited by about 60 different ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Mossi, who make up about 40% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include the Fulani (8.8%), Gurma (7%), Bobo (4.9%) and Dagara (4.4%). Each ethnic group has its own unique language, culture and traditions, which gives the country a special flavor.
In relation to religion, Islam is the dominant religion of Burkina Faso. About 61% of the population is Muslim, consisting mainly of Sunni Muslims. Christianity is the second largest religion with approximately 25% of the population. The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the country. In addition, there are also small groups that practice traditional beliefs and animism.
Population of Burkina Faso
The country is dominated by various ethnic groups, each of which has its own characteristics and cultural traditions. The largest ethnic group is the Mossi, which makes up about 40% of Burkina Faso’s population. Also, a significant number of the population is represented by the Fula, Lobe, Gurma and other ethnic groups.
The main religion in the country is Islam. More than 60% of the population professes Islam, the rest profess local traditional beliefs and Christianity. Islam in Burkina Faso has deep roots and has a strong influence on the culture and customs of the local population.
Burkina Faso’s population continues to grow, affecting various areas of the country’s life, including the economy, education and health. Steady population growth requires further efforts to develop infrastructure and social services to ensure decent living conditions for all citizens.
Demographics
The average age in Burkina Faso is 17.8 years, making it one of the youngest countries in the world. The youth population is an important resource for a country’s development, but also poses significant challenges in the areas of education, health and employment.
More than 60% of the population of Burkina Faso lives in rural areas, the rural population is mainly engaged in agriculture and livestock raising. However, the country’s urban population is also growing rapidly, especially in the capital Ouagadougou and other major cities.
Burkina Faso is a multilingual country where the official language is French. The country is home to various ethnic groups including Mossi, Fula, Gurma, Bobo, Senofo, Lobi and others.
The majority of the population of Burkina Faso professes Islam, which is the state religion. In addition, there are also Christianity, traditional African beliefs and other religious movements.
Population growth trends
The main factor contributing to population growth is high fertility. The average fertility rate in Burkina Faso is about 5.5 children per woman, which is much higher than the average for the region. However, the country’s mortality rate is also significantly high, especially among children and young people, which poses challenges for sustainable development.
However, the government of Burkina Faso is actively working to reduce the birth rate and decrease the death rate, especially in rural areas where rates are highest. Work is underway to increase the availability of medical services and educate the population about family planning and a healthy lifestyle.
Another important aspect of the population growth trend is migration. Many young people from Burkina Faso are looking for work abroad, especially in neighboring countries, to secure a better future for themselves and their families. However, a significant portion of migrants return to their home country, which creates an additional population and associated challenges for the country’s development.
Thus, Burkina Faso’s population continues to grow, and the country’s government is actively seeking solutions to manage this process, focusing on reducing the birth rate, increasing access to healthcare and creating new opportunities for young people.
Distribution by age groups
As of January 1, 2022, the total population of Burkina Faso was approximately 21.5 million. The distribution by age groups in this country is as follows:
| Age group | Population share |
|---|---|
| 0-14 years | 45% |
| 15-64 years old | 52% |
| Over 65 years old | 3% |
It can be noted that most of the population of Burkina Faso belongs to the age group of 0 to 14 years. This indicates a high birth rate and a young age composition of the population. However, the proportion of people over 65 years of age is only 3%, indicating low life expectancy and the absence of centenarians in the country. Distribution by age groups is an important factor for planning social programs and the development of the country as a whole.
Ethnic composition
The Mossi are the largest ethnic group in the country and make up about 45% of the population. They live in the central part of the country and are mainly engaged in agriculture.
The Fula are nomadic shepherds and the largest ethnic group among all the nationalities of the country. They make up about 15% of the population and live in the southern part of the country, mainly engaged in cattle breeding.
The Mande are an ethnic group consisting of several subgroups such as the Bamana and Bobo. They live in the western and southern parts of Burkina Faso and make up about 12% of the population. Many of them are engaged in agriculture and crafts.
The Gurmas are an ethnic group living in the eastern part of the country. They make up about 8% of the population and are known for their skills in farming.
The Dagara are an ethnic group living in the northwestern part of Burkina Faso. They make up about 8% of the population and are involved in both agriculture and fishing.
The country is also home to smaller ethnic groups such as the Tuareg, Senufo and Samba.
The ethnic composition of Burkina Faso is one of the most diverse in the region. The diversity of ethnic groups contributes to the cultural and social richness of the country.
Main ethnic groups
The Mossi are a sedentary people who live in the southern part of Burkina Faso. They have their own history, traditions and customs. The Mossi are known for their artistic and craft skills, as well as their colorful national costumes.
Other significant ethnic groups in the country include the Fula, Gurma, Busa, Samo and Dere. The Fula, or Pullar, are a semi-pastoral people found primarily in the northern and eastern parts of Burkina Faso. The Gurmas are also farmers and live in the eastern part of the country. The Busa, Samo and Dere are small groups that live in various regions of Burkina Faso.
Each ethnic group brings its own unique cultural and linguistic characteristics to the society of Burkina Faso, creating the diversity and richness of this African country.
Territorial distribution of ethnic groups
Burkina Faso is a multi-ethnic country with a variety of ethnic groups. The country is home to about 70 ethnic groups, each of which has its own unique culture and traditions.
Northern Burkina Faso is dominated by the Fulani ethnic group, who are known for their nomadic pastoral and pastoral lifestyle. Other significant ethnic groups in the region include the Mossi, Gurunsi and Tuareg.
In the central part of the country, the Mossi and Gurunsi ethnic groups are most represented. The Mossis are the largest ethnic group in the country and are rich in history and culture. Gurunsi also play a significant role in the cultural and political spheres of the country.
In southern Burkina Faso, the main ethnic groups are the Gourma, Bobo, Bisa and Dagara. The Gurmas are known for their farming skills, while the Bobos and Bisas are traditional artisans. The Dagaras also play an important role in the cultural sphere of the country.
The eastern part of Burkina Faso is inhabited mainly by Tuaregs, who are nomadic tribes engaged in trading and raising livestock.
The territorial distribution of ethnic groups in Burkina Faso creates a diversity of cultures and languages in the country. This means that Burkina Faso is a place where different ethnic groups coexist, each with their own contribution to the history and culture of the country.