Languages of Burkina Faso: Population size per language, geographic distribution
Burkina Faso is one of West Africa’s most linguistically diverse countries. With an estimated 69 languages spoken nationwide, the country reflects a deep cultural mosaic shaped by history, migration, and ethnic identity. While French and English play administrative roles, indigenous languages remain central to daily life, community ties, and cultural expression.
A Multilingual Nation at Heart
Burkina Faso is officially recognized as a multilingual country, with around 60 indigenous languages spoken across its regions. These languages belong mainly to the Niger-Congo and Afroasiatic language families and are closely linked to ethnic groups and geographic areas.
In December 2023, the government announced a major linguistic shift: national languages were elevated to official status, while French was reclassified as a working language, alongside English. This move underscored the country’s desire to strengthen cultural identity and reduce reliance on colonial-era structures.
Most Widely Spoken Native Languages
According to the 2006 census, the most commonly spoken native languages in Burkina Faso include:
Language
Percentage of Population
Mooré
40.5%
Fula
9.3%
Gourmanché
6.1%
Bambara
4.9%
Bissa
3.2%
Bwamu
2.1%
Dagara
2.0%
San
1.9%
Lobiri
1.8%
Lyélé
1.7%
Bobo
1.4%
Sénoufo
1.4%
Nuni
1.2%
Dafing
1.1%
Tamasheq
1.0%
Kassem
0.7%
Gouin
0.4%
Dogon
0.3%
Songhai
0.3%
Gourounsi
0.3%
Ko
0.1%
Koussassé
0.1%
Sembla
0.1%
Siamou
0.1%
Other national languages
5%
Other African languages
0.2%
French
1.3%
Other non-indigenous languages
0.1%
Mooré: The Dominant Language
Mooré, spoken by the Mossi people, is by far the most widely used language in Burkina Faso. Spoken by about half of the population, it is especially dominant in the central region, including the capital city, Ouagadougou. Mooré serves as a key lingua franca in markets, local administration, and everyday communication.
Regional Language Distribution
Language use in Burkina Faso often follows regional patterns:
Western Burkina Faso Dominated by Mandé languages, particularly Dyula (Dioula/Jula), which functions as a major trade language. Other languages include Bobo, Samo, and Marka.
Northern regions Fula (Fulfulde) is widespread, reflecting pastoralist communities and cross-border ties.
Eastern regions Gourmanché is the primary language, closely tied to local identity.
Southern regions Bissa is commonly spoken, alongside several smaller languages.
The Role of French and English
French, introduced during the colonial period, has long been the language of education, government, and formal communication. Although no longer an official language as of 2023, it remains a working language, particularly in administration and international affairs. English, while less commonly spoken, is gaining importance in diplomacy and regional cooperation.
Preserving Linguistic Heritage
Burkina Faso’s linguistic diversity is both a cultural strength and a challenge. Efforts to promote national languages in education, media, and governance aim to preserve heritage while improving inclusion. Radio broadcasts, literacy programs, and local-language schooling play a vital role in keeping these languages alive for future generations.
The languages of Burkina Faso tell a powerful story of identity, resilience, and cultural pride. From Mooré spoken in bustling city markets to lesser-known languages preserved in rural communities, each language adds a unique voice to the nation’s collective heritage. As Burkina Faso continues to redefine its linguistic policies, its rich multilingual character remains one of its greatest cultural assets.
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