Despite sustained economic growth, the country continues to face major structural challenges. As a result, extreme poverty still affects nearly a quarter of the population, with significant disparities between rural and urban areas.
Persistent insecurity, inter-communal violence and attacks by non-state armed groups continue to destabilise the country. Despite the efforts of the authorities and the international community, the security situation remains volatile, with increased risks for civilians. This insecurity particularly affects communities in the north and east of the country, leading to massive population displacements. Consequently, more than 2 million people have been forced to leave their homes, making Burkina Faso the country most affected by internal displacement in the Sahel.
Furthermore, more than 2.2 million people are food insecure in Burkina Faso and nearly 1.9 million children are deprived of education due to insecurity and forced displacement. People with disabilities, meanwhile, remain often marginalised and face increased difficulties in accessing basic services and protection, in a context where infrastructure and resources are already under strain.
Humanitarian needs are immense: protection of civilians, access to safe drinking water, healthcare, education, psychosocial support, etc. The resilience of communities and the solidarity of local actors are being severely tested against a backdrop of declining international aid funding.
- Population: 23.5 million
- HDI: 0.459 (2023)
- GDP: USD 23.12 billion (2024)
- GDP per capita: ~USD 1,005 (2024)
