Burkina Faso

Quick facts

1. Burkina Faso is in West Africa, 45% of Burkinabés live below the poverty line
2. Water shortage is a problem and the country suffers regular droughts. Nearly 90% of the population depends on agriculture and irregular rainfall often results in food shortages
3. The country suffers from high infant mortality due to poor living conditions and limited access to healthcare
4. Burkina Faso has the lowest literacy rate in the world however the number of children who can read and write has increased from 19% in 1994 to 30% in 2003.
5. Burkina Faso is a major cotton producer, making trade fairer would help development
6. Burkina Faso is home to one of the most important handicraft fairs in Africa
7. The democratic government in Burkina Faso aims to reduce by a third the number of people living in absolute poverty by 2015 to achieve even this it needs major support from rich countries
8. Some Burkinabés are transported from Burkina Faso to neighbouring countries and put into slavery

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