Commercial Guide

X - Appendix

Appendix A: Country Data 

Population (1996): 10.7 million
Population growth rate: 2.8%
Religions: traditional African (26%), Muslim (52%), Christian (21%)
Government system: parliamentary
Languages: French (official), local languages including More, Dioula, and Gourmantche
Work week: 40 hours

Appendix B: Domestic Economy

GDP: USD 3.2 billion (1997)
GDP: USD 3.2 billion (1997)
GDP growth rate: 6.1% (1996), 5.5% (1997)
Inflation: 27% (1994), 7.8% (1995), 8% (1997)
Unemployment: N/A
Foreign exchange reserves: N/A
Average exchange rate for USD: CFAF 499 (1995), 511 (1996), 583.6 (1997)
Debt-service ratio: 18.9% (1995), 14.4% (1996), 12.9% (1997)
Total external debt: 774 million CFAF (1996)

Appendix C - Trade 

Total exports: USD 160 million (1995), USD 175 million (1996), USD 174.7 million (1997)Total imports: USD 468 million (1995), USD 556 million (1996), USD 544 million (1997) 
Total exports: USD 160 million (1995), USD 175 million (1996), USD 174.7 million (1997)Total imports: USD 468 million (1995), USD 556 million (1996), USD 544 million (1997) 
U.S. imports: USD 24.9 million (1995), USD 23.8 million (1996), USD 23.8 million (1997)

Appendix D - Investment Statistics 

Direct foreign investment: French-sourced accounts amount to 10 to 12 billion CFAF in direct foreign investment.
Investment growth: 9.3% (1980-1996) 
Gross domestic investment: 22% of GDP (1996)

Appendix E: Trade Event Schedule 

There are two international events held on a regular basis in Ouagadougou. The International Artisanal Salon of Ouagadougou (SIAO) is held at the end of October of even-numbered years, and the widely attended Ouagadougou Pan-African Film Festival (FESPACO) takes place at the end of February of odd-numbered years.