Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.57%
Burkina Faso is a Western Africa landlocked nation of around 24.1 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. This landlocked territory spans 272,967 km² with a density of 88 people per km². Its capital is Ouagadougou, and French is the official language, while the West African CFA franc serves as the national currency.
Population
24,070,553
Area
272,967 km²
Density
88/km²
World Rank
#58
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 31.6 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 8 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 41.8% of the population is under 15, while only 2.6% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Ouagadougou
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- French
- Currencies
- West African CFA franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +226
- Top-Level Domain
- .bf
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 24,070,553
- Land Area
- 272,967 km²
- Population Density
- 88 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.57%
- Annual Growth
- +618,613 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,695 people
- World Population Share
- 0.30%
- Coordinates
- 13.00°, -2.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $982 classifies Burkina Faso as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 3.5%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 37.4 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
61.1 years
GDP per Capita
$982
Birth Rate
31.6 per 1,000
Death Rate
8.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
28.3%
Fertility Rate
4.19 births/woman
Infant Mortality
44.8 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.5%
Literacy Rate
41.4%
Internet Users
17.0%
Under 15
41.8%
Over 65
2.6%
Health Spending
7.8% GDP
Gini Index
37.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
10.1M
15-64 years
13.4M
65+ years
638K
Urbanization
Only 28.3% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. The capital, Ouagadougou, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 27130.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
6.8M
28.3%
17.2M
71.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 61.1 years is below the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 44.8 per thousand live births, markedly lower than the global average. Literacy stands at 41.4%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has 7 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Burkina Faso is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Burkina Faso participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 24,070,553 |
| 2030 | 26,508,429 |
| 2035 | 29,600,997 |
| 2040 | 32,728,742 |
| 2045 | 35,880,085 |
| 2050 | 39,047,771 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Burkina Faso.
Largest Cities in Burkina Faso
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Burkina Faso by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Burkina Faso?
The population of Burkina Faso is approximately 24.1 million as of 2026, making it #58 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Burkina Faso?
The capital of Burkina Faso is Ouagadougou.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso?
The main languages spoken in Burkina Faso are French.
How big is Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso covers an area of 272,967 km² with a population density of 88 people per km².
Is Burkina Faso growing or shrinking?
Burkina Faso is growing at a rate of 2.57% per year, adding approximately 618,613 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Burkina Faso?
The average life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Burkina Faso?
The GDP per capita of Burkina Faso is $982.