Landlocked in West Africa, Burkina (formerly Upper Volta) gained independence from France in 1960. The majority of Burkina lies in the arid fringe of the Sahara known as the Sahel. Ruled by military dictators for much of its postindependence history, Burkina became a multiparty state in 1991. However, much power still rests with President Blaise Compaoré. Burkina's economy remains largely based on agriculture.

No ethnic group is dominant in Burkina, although the Mossi people who live in the area of their old empire around Ouagadougou have always played an important role in government. Burkina's first president, Maurice Yameogo, and Blaise Compaoré, leader since 1987, are both Mossi. The people from the west are much more ethnically mixed.

The extended family is important and reaches from the villages into the towns and cities. Extreme poverty has led to a strong sense of egalitarianism within society. The absence of women in public life belies their real power and influence, particularly within the traditional framework of the extended family. However, most women are still denied access to education and senior professional positions.

Strengths

Remittances from plantation workers in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Strongly improved economic management. Low debt burden. Ability to attract foreign aid. Cotton growing.

Weaknesses

Landlocked. Natural resources not in the main economically viable. Donors' fears over political instability. Food crop fluctuations. Prone to drought. Migrants' remittances have halved to about $80 million since 1988.

A multiparty democracy in theory, Burkina is still dominated in practice by former military dictator Blaise Compaoré, and the army remains influential behind the scenes. Compaoré has been in power since the assassination in 1987 of Capt. Thomas Sankara, his former superior. Several of Compaoré's close military colleagues have been murdered. His grip on power in Burkina appears to be solid, and he was reelected president in 1998 with almost 90% of the vote. Most opposition leaders are still living in exile, but opposition parties made small gains in the 2002 polls.

The CDP and the government came under unexpected pressure in 1998 and 1999 after the assassination of a popular newspaper editor, Norbert Zongo, in which leading establishment figures were implicated.

Burkina's landlocked position means that good relations with countries to the south are a major concern. The USA used the threat of sanctions in 2000 to stem the illegal trade in Burkina of diamonds from Sierra Leone.

The main role of the 5600-strong army has been maintaining internal security. Burkina is reliant on France for most equipment and training.

Burkina's considerable mineral wealth includes large manganese and silver deposits. Falling world prices led to the closure in 1999 of the largest gold mine. Three hydroelectric dams will reduce dependence on energy from combustion.

Like other countries on the southern rim of the Sahara, desertification is the major ecological issue. The rate of tree cutting for fuel is on the increase.

The railroad to the port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast provides the main commercial route to the sea. Roads through Benin, Togo, and Ghana provide alternative access.

Health spending focuses on primary health care and vaccination. More than 5% of adults were HIV positive in 2000.

Education is based on the French system. Recently, practical subjects have received more emphasis.

Crime levels have traditionally been low. However, the urbanization of society and the increase in political violence have seen levels increase.

Burkina is a country of extreme, almost universal, poverty. Displays of wealth are rare and ownership of high-tech items is limited to a small elite.

Some potential exists for safari tourism, and the cities offer an attractive mix of colonial and African architecture. Big game hunting is allowed in some areas.

Ruled by Mossi kings from the 16th century, Burkina became an outpost of the French empire in the late 19th century. It was renamed Upper Volta at independence in 1960.

• 1980 Ousting of military ruler; Col. Saye Zerbo becomes president.
• 1982 Capt. Thomas Sankara takes power. People's Salvation Council (PSC) begins radical reforms.
• 1984 Renamed Burkina.
• 1987 Sankara assassinated, Capt. Blaise Compaoré takes power.
• 1991 New constitution. Compaoré elected president.
• 1997 CDP landslide election victory.
• 1999 Biggest gold mine closed. General strike.
• 2001 Meningitis epidemic. HIV infection rate becomes second highest in West Africa.