<hdr>The World Factbook 1994: Burkina<nl>Economy</hdr><body>
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<item><hi format=bold>Overview:</hi> One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina has a high population density, few natural resources, and relatively infertile soil. Economic development is hindered by a poor communications network within a landlocked country. Agriculture provides about 40% of GDP and is entirely of a subsistence nature. Industry, dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations, accounts for about 15% of GDP.
<item><hi format=bold>National product:</hi> GDP—purchasing power equivalent—$7 billion (1993 est.)
<item><hi format=bold>National product real growth rate:</hi> 0.7% (1992)
<item><hi format=bold>National product per capita:</hi> $700 (1993 est.)
<item><hi format=bold>Agriculture:</hi> accounts for about 40% of GDP; cash crops—peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, cotton; food crops—sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock; not self-sufficient in food grains
<item><hi format=bold>Economic aid:</hi>
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<item>• <hi format=ital>recipient:</hi> US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.9 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $113 million
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<item><hi format=bold>Currency:</hi> 1 CFA franc (CFAF)=100 centimes
<item><hi format=bold>Exchange rates:</hi> CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1—592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989)
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<item>• <hi format=ital>note:</hi> beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948
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<item><hi format=bold>Fiscal year:</hi> calendar year