Historically, Burkina Faso was part of the Mossi Empire, one of the most powerful pre-colonial West African kingdoms. The country was formerly known as Upper Volta during the French colonial period, before adopting its current name in 1984, which means "land of upright people" in Moré and Dioula, the local languages. Burkina Faso's economy is predominantly agricultural, with a large portion of the population engaged in subsistence farming. The country is also rich in mineral resources, including gold and manganese, which have contributed to economic growth in recent years. The population of Burkina Faso is extremely diverse, with more than 60 different ethnic groups. French is the official language, but many indigenous languages are spoken throughout the country. Society is known for its religious and cultural tolerance, with a peaceful coexistence between different religious communities. Culturally, Burkina Faso is famous for its handicrafts, especially traditional fabrics and jewelry. The country also hosts the FESPACO, the largest African film festival, held every two years in Ouagadougou. Geographically, Burkina Faso is characterized by a variety of landscapes, from arid savannahs in the north to wetter forests in the south. This geographical diversity has a significant impact on people’s lives and biodiversity in the country. Population of Burkina Faso from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 19.8 million inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 20.3 million inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 20.9 million inhabitants. Capital (Ouagadougou): Population in 2020: About 2.5 million inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Ouagadougou: 2.5 million Bobo-Dioulasso: 537.728 Koudougou: 131.825 Ouahigouya: 122.677 Banfora: 93.750 Dédougou: 89.473 Kaya: 77.688 Dori: 47.963 Tenkodogo: 44.491 Réo: 37.778 Burkina Faso is divided into 13 regions.