A moderate though growing debt burden. Membership in the CFA monetary zone supports monetary stability. Strong donor support. Low degree of economic development. Narrow economic base that leaves the economy vulnerable to commodities price swings. Large structural fiscal imbalance due to pressing spending needs and low revenue-raising flexibility. The ratings on Burkina Faso reflect Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' view of the sovereign's moderate though growing debt burden; its membership in the CFA monetary zone, which supports monetary stability; and the strong donor support the country receives. These strengths are offset, however, by Burkina Faso's low degree of economic development, with GDP per capita estimated at $583 in 2010; its narrow economic base, which makes the economy vulnerable to external
