Date
Jun 23, 2023 4:38 PM
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Burkina Faso's history of currency notes reflects the country's political and economic changes over time. Here is an overview of Burkina Faso's currency note history:
- Colonial Era: Prior to gaining independence, Burkina Faso was a French colony known as French Upper Volta. During this period, the currency in circulation was the French franc. The French franc banknotes were used as the official currency in Burkina Faso until its independence in 1960.
- Introduction of the West African CFA Franc: After gaining independence, Burkina Faso became a member of the West African Monetary Union (Union Monétaire Ouest Africaine, UMOA) and adopted the West African CFA franc (XOF) as its official currency. The CFA franc is a common currency used by several countries in West Africa.
- Evolution of Currency Notes: Burkina Faso's currency notes have undergone several changes over the years. The early banknotes featured French colonial designs and symbols. Later, the banknotes began to incorporate more local elements, such as traditional motifs, cultural symbols, and images representing Burkina Faso's history and natural resources.
- Security Features: As with many modern currency notes, Burkina Faso's banknotes have incorporated various security features to prevent counterfeiting. These features may include watermarks, holographic strips, microprinting, raised print, and other advanced security measures.
- Denominations and Designs: Burkina Faso's currency notes come in various denominations, including 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 francs. The designs often feature prominent figures from Burkina Faso's history, cultural symbols, landmarks, and natural resources.
The currency notes of Burkina Faso serve as a representation of the country's identity, history, and economic development. They reflect the transition from a French colony to an independent nation and the incorporation of local elements into the design.