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Burkina Faso

The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.

EmergencyPolice 17Ambulance 18Fire 18

Plug typesC · E220 V · 50 Hz CurrencyXOFWest African CFA Franc

Drives on theright

TippingRound up, or leave small change

Local time–+226 · Calling code

The country in brief

About 24.1 million people live in Burkina Faso, on 274,200 km². The capital is Ouagadougou.

Capital: Ouagadougou
Population: 24,074,580
Area: 274,200 km²
Official languages: Dioula, Bissa, and Mooré

Land borders

Benin Côte d’Ivoire Ghana Mali Niger Togo

Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.

Before you go

Which plugs are used in Burkina Faso?
Sockets take plug type C/E, at 220 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Burkina Faso?
Call 17 for the police, 18 for an ambulance and 18 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Burkina Faso?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Burkina Faso?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Burkina Faso?
Prices are in West African CFA Franc (XOF).
What language do they speak in Burkina Faso?
Official languages: Dioula, Bissa, and Mooré.
How do I call a number in Burkina Faso from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +226.