Western Africa facts

Burkina Faso. "Upper Volta" was the name of the French colony in the upper section of river Volta. In 1958 the country gained independence, and in 1984 it changed its name to “Burkina Faso”. The new name was createf from words in two different local languages: “Burkina” means “honest” in Mossi language, “Faso” means “fatherland” in Dyula language.

Dakar is located on the western edge of Africa. It grew as an advantageous departure point for trans-Atlantic and European trade.

Abuja is the capital of Nigeria, but not its largest city (it is Lagos). According to the United Nations, Abuja grew at the rate of 139.7% between 2000 and 2010, making it the fastest growing city in the world. Photo: Zuma Rock, just outside the city.

Bamako is located on the crossing of trade routes, on the Niger River near the rapids that divide the upper and middle Niger valleys.

Accra was built around three different European trading posts on the African Goald Coast - Dutch Fort Crêvecœur (built 1649), Danish Fort Christiansborg (1652) and British Fort James (1673).