Government of Burkina Faso
Long Conventional Name
none
Short Conventional Name
Burkina Faso
Long Local Name
none
Short Local Name
Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Capital City
Ouagadougou
Administrative Divisions
45 provinces; Bale, Bam, Banwa, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Comoe, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Ioba, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komondjari, Kompienga, Kossi, Koulpelogo, Kouritenga, Kourweogo, Leraba, Loroum, Mouhoun, Nahouri, Namentenga, Nayala, Noumbiel, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Tuy, Yagha, Yatenga, Ziro, Zondoma, Zoundweogo.
Independence Day
Friday, 5th August 1960
Constitutional History
2 June 1991 approved by referendum, 11 June 1991 formally adopted; last amended January 2002.
Legal System
Based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal.
Executive Branch
Chief of State
President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Tertius ZONGO (since 4 June 2007)
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister.
Elections
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 13 November 2005 (next to be held in 2010); in April 2000, the constitution was amended reducing the presidential term from seven to five years, enforceable as of 2005; prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the legislature.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (111 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) .
Judical Branch
Supreme Court; Appeals Court.
Flag Description
Two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center.