Burkina Faso/Society

Society in Burkina Faso

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
23M(2023)
Population Growth
2.3%(2023)
Fertility Rate
4.19(2023)
Death Rate
8.0 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-25.8K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
61.1 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
77.3 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
242 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
6.8%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
34.5%(2022)
Primary Enrollment
78.6%(2018)
Secondary Enrollment
30.9%(2023)
Tertiary Enrollment
10.2(2023)
Education Expenditure
5.3%(2022)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
17%(2023)
Access to Electricity
21.7%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
49.5%(2022)
Urban Population
7.5M(2023)
Rural Population
15.5M(2023)

Current Social Overview of Burkina Faso

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Burkina Faso has an estimated population of 23.0M
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 2.3%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. The elevated fertility rate of 4.2 births per woman
    2023
    contributes to a young population, presenting both opportunities for future growth and demands on educational and health services. Net emigration of approximately 26K individuals annually (or 1.1 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    adds pressure to demographic transitions and workforce sustainability.
  • Regarding public health, The notably low life expectancy of 61.1 years
    2023
    underscores critical public health challenges that necessitate urgent and comprehensive interventions. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (77.3 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (242 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 6.8% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • Critical educational challenges are highlighted by the low literacy rate of 34%
    2022
    , necessitating immediate and sustained interventions to improve foundational education. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 79% of children
    2018
    , secondary enrollment at 31%
    2023
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 5.3% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure
    2022
    , reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the primarily rural population distribution (67% rural population
    2023
    ) presents distinct challenges for universal infrastructure provision, service access, and economic modernization. Furthermore, critical infrastructure gaps are evident, with electricity access at 22%
    2023
    and internet penetration at 17%
    2023
    severely limiting economic potential, hindering social development, and impeding digital integration.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.

Public Health System

Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.