Population and Demographics

Burkina Faso has a growth rate of 2.71%, and an estimated life expectancy at birth of slightly under 50 years of age. The median age of its inhabitants is under 17. The population is concentrated in the south and centre of the country, sometimes exceeding 48 per square kilometre.

The 13 million Burkinabè belong to two major West African cultural groups: the Voltaic and the Mande. The Voltaic are far more numerous and include the Mossi, who make up about one-half of the population. Additionally, about 5,000 Europeans live in Burkina Faso.

Approximately 50% of the population is Muslim; Christians account for about 30%, and followers of traditional African religions (typically animism of various forms) make up about 20%. Many Christians incorporate elements of animism into their religious practices.