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Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa bordered by Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. Its capital, Ouagadougou, is the country's largest city and serves as its political, economic, and cultural center. The region was historically home to several Mossi kingdoms, which maintained strong political institutions for centuries before French colonial rule began in the late nineteenth century. The country gained independence in 1960 under the name Upper Volta and adopted the name Burkina Faso in 1984. Agriculture remains central to the economy, with cotton, livestock, and food crops supporting much of the population. Gold mining has also become a major source of exports and national revenue. Burkina Faso has experienced repeated political instability and serious security challenges in recent years. Despite these difficulties, the country maintains strong cultural traditions in music, crafts, storytelling, and film, including one of Africa's most important film festivals.