Photographer: Bente Kristensen

Welcome to Plan Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, where Plan has worked for 26 years, continues to experience economic difficulties. The majority of the population survives on less than £1 per person each day. Last year, we made a difference in the lives of 38,840 children, their families and communities.

Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) is a landlocked country about 600 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

Like most African countries, Burkina Faso's population consists of numerous and diverse ethnic groups. The two largest groups are the Mossi and the Fulani. Most people live in rural areas.

Most Burkinabes live in an extended family environment. The eldest male is the head of the family consisting of wives, children, brothers as well as their families. Children are the responsibility of their mothers and live with them until they are teenagers. Disabled and older people live with their families and are fully accepted. Young children are expected to help in all everyday tasks, gradually assuming the responsibilities of their elders.