Burkina Faso's revenue sources are limited, and the country depends heavily on subsidies from France. An extensive fiscal adjustment program was begun in 1991 with the help of the IMF, that outlined plans for the privatization of state-owned enterprises. Over 40% of government income is derived from customs duties, but $18 million had been netted from parastatal sales by 1999. Personnel expenses account for over 40% of outlays. Budget deficits averaging 10% of GDP during 1998 added significantly to the debt service burden. At least 20% of the government budget is financed by foreign aid.
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimates that in 2001 Burkina Faso's central government took in revenues of approximately $316 million. Overall, the government registered a surplus of approximately $316 million. External debt totaled $1.5 billion.
The following table shows an itemized breakdown of government expenditures. The percentages were calculated from data reported by the International Monetary Fund. The dollar amounts (millions) are based on the CIA estimates provided above.
EXPENDITURES | 100.0% |
General public services | 7.8% |
Defense | 14.0% |
Public order and safety | … |
Education | 17.3% |
Health | 6.9% |
Social security | … |
Housing and community amenities | 0.8% |
Recreation, cultural, and religious affairs | 0.9% |
Economic affairs and services | 11.2% |
Other expenditures | 4.8% |
Interest payments | 8.3% |
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