Overview

Burkina Faso is a low-income Sahelian country with limited natural resources. Its economy is largely based on agriculture, although gold exports are on the rise. More than 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. Burkina Faso ranks 184th out of 191 countries in the 2021–2022 HDI report of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Burkina Faso is facing one of the world’s most neglected humanitarian crises, driven by insecurity, amid adverse climatic conditions. These challenges are pushing many people — already living with limited resources — to the brink of survival. 

Some 4.5 million people require humanitarian assistance in 2026.

Humanitarian access remains difficult, severely hindering response efforts. Some roads to affected areas are unsafe, with communities dependent on costly air operations and supply convoys. Despite these obstacles, humanitarian partners remain committed to meeting urgent needs. 

For several years, security crises have forced more than 2 million people to flee their homes. According to the National Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation more than 1.1 million internally displaced persons had returned to their places of origin by 31 October, 2025, thanks to the combined efforts of the Government of Burkina Faso and its partners.

Source: OCHA 2026