Burkina Faso
13 00 N, 2 00 W
lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m
highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m
total: 3,193 km
border countries: Benin 306 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Ghana 549 km, Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km
recurring droughts
manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, phosphates, pumice, salt
arable land: 17.66%
permanent crops: 0.22%
other: 82.12% (2005)
recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation
Tropical. The dry season lasts from November to March and the rainy season from June to October. The best months are November to February when the Harmattan wind blows from the east producing dry and cool weather. However if you have allergies avoid December to February as the Harmattan turns Burkina Faso into a dust bowl. Rainfall is highest in the southwest and lowest in the northeast. Aviod traveling in late March to May as the climate is too hot and dry to bear even for the locals.
Required clothing
Lightweights and rainwear for the rainy season. Plenty of scarves and handkerchiefs are recommended during the months when the Harmattan blows.
time difference: UTC 0
