Location: West Africa
Local Time: GMT
Capital City: Ouagadougou
Population: 15 million
Area: 273,800357,021 square km, 105,714 square miles.
Language(s): French, many local languages
Dialling Code: 226
Emergency: Police: 17. Fire: 18. Ambulance: 30 66 43/44/45
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Licence required
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: CFA Franc (XOF 1 = 100 Centimes)
Notes: XOF: 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, 10,000
Coins: XOF: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques:
Opening Hours
Bank: 0730-1130 & 1530-1630 Mon-Fri
Office: 0700-1230 & 1500-1730 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0800-1300 & 1600-1900 Mon-Sat, 0800-1200 Sun
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Aid El Segheir, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night, and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Aid El Segheir itself. Aid El Segheir and Aid El Kábir may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region.
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in French, very few executives speak English. Many traditions and customs regulate social life and visitors should be perceptive to unfamiliar local conventions. On social occasions dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated
Tipping: 10-15% service charge is normally added to bill. Tips are customary for taxis & porters
