Social conditions
Burkina Faso is one of the world’s poorest countries. In the UN agency UNDP’s index of human development (HDI), Burkina Faso ended up in position 181 of 187 in 2014. The worst is the location in the arid desert areas of the northern part of the country.
Life expectancy is low, 57 years for men and 60 years for women (2013). Although vaccination programs have been implemented, child mortality is among the highest in the world. Every third child that survives is inhibited in the plant due to nutritional deficiencies.
- Countryaah Official Site: Official statistics for population in Burkina Faso, including population growth, density, and estimation in next 50 years.
Health care is neglected. The hospitals are congested and poorly equipped. In 2010, Burkina Faso was reported to have five doctors per 100,000 residents. In isolated country ends, the medical shortage can be significantly greater than that. However, the government is investing heavily in health care in its poverty reduction program.
The health problems are huge. Malnutrition and lack of hygiene help to spread disease. In 2012, more than eight in ten residents had access to clean water, but less than one fifth of the population had access to proper sewage. Malaria, seashell fever (bilharzia) and sleep disorders are common parasitic diseases. Outbreaks of meningitis are common during the dry period. Some years, thousands of people have died in the epidemics. Less than one percent of the adult population (15-49 years) is estimated to be HIV-infected. Comprehensive information campaigns have limited the spread of infection.
The state has also invested in information to stop female genital mutilation, which has been banned by law since 1996. The proportion of sexually abused girls is reported to have decreased to less than half.
Women are usually subordinate to men in Burkinian society. Polygamy occurs and is not prohibited. Women have so far participated to a small extent in politics. A low proportion of MPs are women, and in 2016, seven out of 30 government ministers were women. Although children under 14 cannot work, child labor is common. Prostitution and arranged marriage occur among children.
The family and family are central to most burkinier lives. The nuclear family is responsible for providing for relatives who are unable to support themselves. Three or four families from the same family often live under the same roof. For Burkinians with a formal employment there is an old-age pension and a social insurance system.
- AbbreviationFinder Website: Provides commonly used acronyms, history, politics and geography of country Burkina Faso.
FACTS – SOCIAL CONDITIONS
Infant Mortality: 49 per 1000 births (2018)
Percentage of HIV infected: 0.7 percent (2018)
Proportion of HIV infected among young women
0.4 percent (2018)
Proportion of HIV infected among young men: 0.2 percent (2018)
Proportion of population with access to clean water: 53.9 percent (2015)
Proportion of the population having access to toilets: 19.4 percent (2017)
Public expenditure on health care as a percentage of GDP: 5.4 percent (2015)
Public expenditure on health care per person: US $ 41 (2016)
Proportion of women in parliament: 11 percent (2018)
2011
August
Death abuse by Zongo gives prison
Three police officers are sentenced to long prison sentences for abusing student Justin Zongo, who died in police custody. Zongo’s death triggered extensive student protests (see February 2011).
June
Elite forces strike down soldier insurgency
Rebellious soldiers have continued with looting and gunfire in the country’s “economic capital” Bobo-Dioulasso. At least seven people are killed before the situation is brought under control. Nearly 100 soldiers are arrested for involvement in the uprising, according to the military.
April
Protests against price increases are growing
Tens of thousands of people take part in recurring demonstrations against rising living costs. The protests later force the government into financial concessions, including lower income taxes.
Soldier protests continue despite new government
A number of soldiers are protesting against missed housing subsidies by setting buildings on fire, firing sharply at the presidential palace and looting. Compaore’s counterpart will be to impose a nightly curfew and dissolve the government. Compaoré appoints Luc-Adolph Tiao as new prime minister. His new government promises increased compensation to the soldiers. But the unrest continues. In Koudougou, the mayor’s house, a market and a military headquarters are set on fire. The following month , the government makes some financial concessions, including income tax cuts.
March
The universities are closed after protests
Violent student protests continue as a result of student Zongo’s death in police custody. When police enter university areas to disperse protesters, violence erupts and several students are injured. According to media reports, six students have been killed. The government temporarily shuts down the universities.
February
Student’s death triggers mass protests
Extensive student demonstrations erupt after student Justin Zongo is reported to have been killed in police custody in the city of Koudougou. The authorities first claim that Zongo died of meningitis, but student protests and demands are forcing the authorities to set up an investigation (see further August 2011).