an inland republic in W Africa: dominated by Mossi kingdoms (10th–19th centuries); French protectorate established in 1896; became an independent republic in 1960; consists mainly of a flat savanna plateau. Official language: French; Mossi and other African languages also widely spoken. Religion: Muslim majority. Currency: franc. Capital: Ouagadougou. Pop: 19 193 382 (2017 est). Area: 273 200 sq km (105 900 sq miles)