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Ouagadougou

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Ouagadougou is the capital city of Burkina Faso.

Ouagadougou place nations unies
Ouagadougou place nations unies

It is the largest and most important city in the nation. This city serves as a center for culture, business, and government. Many people call the city "Ouaga" for short. The people who live there are known as ouagalais. In 2019, the city had a population of 2,415,266 people.

Man on camel behind a car in Burkina Faso, 2008
Man on camel behind a car in Burkina Faso, 2008

The weather in Ouagadougou is hot and semi-arid. This means the land is often dry. There are two main seasons that change the feeling of the city. The rainy season lasts from May to September. The cool season runs from October to February. During the hot season, which is March and April, temperatures can get very high. A dry wind called the harmattan also blows through the area.

Man on camel behind a car in Burkina Faso, 2008
Man on camel behind a car in Burkina Faso, 2008

History tells us that the city is very old. It may have been founded as early as 1050. The name comes from the Wagadugu Kingdom, which began in the 15th century. The Mossi people moved north and took control of the area in the 14th century. Later, the city became a permanent capital under the 21st Moro Naba, named Zombre. Even today, the Moro-Naba Ceremony is performed every Friday by the court.

Ouagadougou Maison du peuple
Ouagadougou Maison du peuple

Many different industries help the city grow. People work in food processing and making textiles, like cotton clothes.

Ouagadougou place nations unies
Ouagadougou place nations unies

The city has a large international airport for flights to Europe and West Africa.

Air Burkina 2012
Air Burkina 2012

There is also a train station that connects the city to Abidjan in the Ivory Coast.

Gare Ouagadougou 2013
Gare Ouagadougou 2013

The city is divided into five main areas called arrondissements. These areas are made up of 30 different sectors.

There are many exciting things to do and see in Ouaga. You can visit the National Museum of Music or the Moro-Naba Palace.

Ouagadougou Maison du peuple
Ouagadougou Maison du peuple

The city is famous for big festivals like FESPACO, which is a huge film festival. Sports are also very popular among the people. Many people enjoy playing football, basketball, and volleyball. The Stade du 4-Août is a famous place for football matches.

Stade du 4-Août, Burkina Faso, 2009
Stade du 4-Août, Burkina Faso, 2009
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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Mittelholzer-ouagadougou.jpg
Mittelholzer-ouagadougou.jpg
File:Hotel de ville Ouagadougou.jpg
Hotel de ville Ouagadougou.jpg
File:Stade du 4-Août, Burkina Faso, 2009.jpg
Stade du 4-Août, Burkina Faso, 2009.jpg
File:Air Burkina 2012.jpg
Air Burkina 2012.jpg
File:Gare Ouagadougou 2013.jpg
Gare Ouagadougou 2013.jpg
File:Ouagadougou place nations unies.JPG
Ouagadougou place nations unies.JPG
File:Ouagadougou Maison du peuple.jpg
Ouagadougou Maison du peuple.jpg
File:Man on camel behind a car in Burkina Faso, 2008.jpg
Man on camel behind a car in Burkina...
File:Ouaga grande mosquee.jpg
Ouaga grande mosquee.jpg
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