Capital Of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is an ethnically integrated, secular state. Most of Burkina's people are concentrated in the south and center of the country, sometimes exceeding 48 per square kilometer (125/sq. mi.). This population density, high for Africa, causes migrations of hundreds of thousands of Burkinabe to Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana, many for seasonal agricultural work. These flows of workers are obviously affected by external events; the September 2002 coup attempt in Cote d'Ivoire and the ensuing fighting there have meant that hundreds of thousands of Burkinabe returned to Burkina Faso. A plurality of Burkinabe are Muslim, but most also adhere to traditional African religions. The introduction of Islam to Burkina Faso was initially resisted by the Mossi rulers. Christians, both Roman Catholics and Protestants, comprise about 25% of the population, with their largest concentration in urban areas. ... [Read More]

Burkina Faso

U.S. Department of State [Read More]

Burkina Faso

Applicants for radio licenses must wait until the Authority for the Regulation of Telecommunications (ARTEL) assigns a frequency and determines that the group's broadcasting equipment is of a professional quality before beginning broadcasts. The Ministry of Security has the right to request samples of proposed publications and broadcasts to verify that they are in accordance with the stated nature of the religious group; however, there were no reports that religious broadcasters experienced difficulties with this regulation. In the case of radio stations, the CSI must be informed of the name of the broadcasting director as well as of the general programming content. Once the broadcast license is granted, the Government regulates the operation of religious radio stations in accordance with the same rules that apply to commercial and state-run stations. Stations must show that their workers are employed full-time, that ARTEL has been paid for the use ... [Read More]

Burkina Faso

Religious groups enjoy freedom of expression in their publications and broadcasts unless the judicial system determines that they are harming public order or committing slander; this has never occurred. The Ministry of Security grants publishing licenses, and the Superior Council of Information (CSI) grants broadcasting licenses. The Government never has denied a publishing or broadcasting license to any religious group that has requested one. The procedures for applying for publishing and broadcasting licenses are the same for both religious groups and commercial entities. Applications first are sent for review to the Ministry of Information and then forwarded to the Ministry of Security. If the Government does not respond to the application for a publishing license within the required timeframe, the applicant can begin publishing automatically. For radio licenses, before beginning broadcasts the applicant must wait until the Authority for the Regulation of Telecommunications (ARTEL) ... [Read More]

Burkina Faso 2000 Post Report

Many modern government buildings and development officesare located between the U.S. Embassy and the downtown area. La Maison du Peuple (the Houseof the People) is a large auditorium, a commanding structure in the center of town, wheremany cultural activities are held. Densely cultivated plots surround three barrages (waterreservoirs or manmade lakes) situated at the edge of town. This area provides a pleasantviewing and walking space as well as a year-round supply of fresh produce. The HotelSilmande, Ouagadougou’s luxury hotel, is located near one of these barrages. Otherpoints of interest include the bronze factory, a new Artisans’ village, the NationalMuseum, the ceremony of the Mogho Naba, the University of Ouagadougou complex, and anumber of public sculptures and monuments. ... [Read More]

Country Commercial Guide

The Collective Agreement for the Commercial Sectors ofFebruary 1, 1982 divides employees (laborers, craftsmen, senior staff) into eightcategories. The minimum basic pay rate (SMIG) is set at 25,000 CFAF (about USD 50) permonth. Conditions for the employment of workers by enterprises are provided in Decree No.98 of February 15, 1967. An employer should ask job applicants for their job-seekerregistration card issued by the Office of Employment and Promotion, which is part of theMinistry of Employment, Work, and Social Security. ... [Read More]

Burkina Faso

It is common among all of the nation’s 45 provinces, but is particularly widespread in 14 of them. Among more than 50 distinct ethnic groups, only a few such as the Bella do not practice it. Also not practicing it are members of particular castes and secret societies (such as some of the Mossi mask societies in the Koundougou province). Type II or excision is performed on women in the provinces of Mouhoun, Yatenga, Zoundweogo, Naouri, Tapoa, Ganzourgoou, Houet, Kenedougou, Comoe and Kadiogo that includes the capital of Ouagadougou. In Ouagadougou some families, however, are beginning to abandon the practice. ... [Read More]

V. Country Narratives -- Countries A through G

Cyprus is a destination country for women trafficked from Eastern and Central Europe for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Traffickers who forced women into prostitution continued to fraudulently recruit victims for work as dancers in cabarets and nightclubs on short-term "artiste" visas, for work in pubs and bars on employment visas, or for illegal work on tourist or student visas. There was increasing evidence of Chinese women being trafficked for sexual exploitation in Cyprus. The Government of Cyprus does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. Cyprus made some progress in its anti-trafficking efforts over the past year. The new police anti-trafficking unit produced successful results and showed vigilance in combating the problem. Government recognition of the problem improve ... [Read More]

US Department Of State Post Report

Americans in Ouagadougou spend a lot of time outdoors — swimming, playing tennis, jogging or walking, and enjoying other outdoor sports and activities. Swimming is a year-round pastime and a good way to take advantage of Ouagadougou’s warm temperatures and sunshine. All Embassy houses have swimming pools. Jogging and walking are popular. The Urban Park of Ouagadougou, a protected forest since the 1930’s, is within walking distance for about half of the Embassy residences (and a 10-minute drive for the others). It features shaded trails for running, cycling, bird watching or just sitting on a bench and watching the world pass by. Ouaga has an active chapter of Hash House Harriers who meet twice a month (on Sunday afternoons) to explore the surrounding countryside. The “Hash” is open to the entire family (both walkers and runners), definitely non-competitive, and ends with a cold ... [Read More]

Ouagadougou Warden Message

"The capital of Ouagadougou periodically experiencesdemonstrations and civil unrest. Although the demonstrations are generally peaceful, therehave been several incidents of violence and destruction within recent years. U. S.citizens should avoid crowds, political gatherings, and street demonstrations." ...

The Department of State encourages all American citizensresiding abroad to register their presence and obtain up-to-date information on securityconditions at the nearest American Embassy/Consulate. If you are not sure whether yourregistration is current please contact the Consular Section on 30 67 23, or by email at consularouaga@state.gov. Additional information onconsular services can be found at our website http://ouagadougou.usembassy.gov Sorry, you need a JavaScript capable browser to get the best from this page [Read More]