Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, meaning 'country of honest people', is a landlocked country situated in West Africa between Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. It has a population of approximately 13.9 million, consisting of numerous and diverse ethnic groups of which the two largest are the Mossi and the Fulani.

In 1960 it won its independence from France but has since spent many years under military rule. President Blaise Compaore has remained in power since 1991 and brought relative democracy to the country. However economic development remains painfully slow; it is one of the poorest countries in the world.

Most people live in rural areas but due to poor soil conditions just 10% of the land is cultivable. Burkina Faso faces serious water problems and sanitation shortages, which are aggravated by droughts and variable annual rains. Over half the population is under 18 and malaria, acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and malnutrition have led to a recent deterioration in children's health.

Burkina Faso also faces a high incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, which is having a devastating effect on children, families and communities.

Some of the reasons why Plan works in Burkina Faso

• 20% of children die before reaching the age of five
• Nearly 40% of children under five suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition
• Only a third of children attend primary school
• Less than 50% of the population has access to safe drinking water
• Life expectancy is less then 48 years