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Africa · Country briefing

Burkina Faso

A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November — capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.

Briefing being written. The capital, map, languages and time-zone are right. We’re still hand-writing the rich cultural sections — highlights, native animals, food, music, sport and festivals — country by country. Burkina Faso is on the list.
  • Capital
    Ouagadougou
  • Population
    ~24 million
  • Time zone
    Africa/Abidjan (UTC +0)
  • Currency
    West African CFA franc (XOF)
Burkina Faso, with Ouagadougou marked
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Climate in November: Dry season in many regions; warm.

Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso

The capital

Ouagadougou

Photo · Wikimedia Commons

School life

In a Burkina Faso classroom

Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.

Greetings to learn

Say hello like a local

  • Hello!
    French

Five questions to ask

Conversation starters

  1. 01What does your school day look like?
  2. 02What do you eat at lunch?
  3. 03What games do you play at break?
  4. 04What's the weather like today?
  5. 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?

What not to assume

Friendly cautions

  • Burkina Faso has many regions and communities — there is no single experience.
  • Climate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Reflection prompts
  • What's something you'd love to share about your school day?
  • What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?

Could your class meet Burkina Faso?

Choose Burkina Fasowhen you register — we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.

Register your classroom