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Ouagadougou

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Ouagadougou is the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso.

Ouagadougou place nations unies
Ouagadougou place nations unies

It serves as the nation's administrative, communications, cultural, and economic center. Many people use the shortened name "Ouaga" to refer to the city. The inhabitants are known as ouagalais. As of 2019, the city had a population of 2,415,266 people. The city is divided into five main administrative areas called arrondissements. These include Baskuy, Bogodogo, Boulmiougou, Nongremassom, and Sig-Noghin.

Hotel de ville Ouagadougou
Hotel de ville Ouagadougou

Each arrondissement contains several sectors, which are further divided into smaller districts. Notable districts include Gounghin, Koulouba, and Paspanga.

The climate in Ouagadougou is classified as hot semi-arid. This means the environment is generally warm and dry. Two main weather patterns determine the climate: the West African Monsoon and the harmattan. The harmattan is a dry wind that affects the region. The rainy season occurs from May to September. Following this, a cool season runs from October to February. The hot season occurs between March and April. During these months, temperatures can reach very high levels. The city is part of the Sudano-Sahelian area. This region is generally hotter and drier than Bobo-Dioulasso, the country's second largest city.

History suggests that Ouagadougou may have been founded as early as 1050. It was possibly established by the Soninke Wangara diaspora from the Ghana Empire. The name Wagadugu means "home of the Wagu." This refers to the Soninke subgroup that ruled Ghana. In the 14th century, the Mossi people moved north and conquered the area. Legend says the city was taken by Oubri, a grandson of Ouedraogo. The Wagadugu Kingdom was officially founded in the 15th century. This kingdom became the center of the Mossi States around 1495. The city later became a permanent capital under the 21st Moro Naba, Zombre.

Mittelholzer-ouagadougou
Mittelholzer-ouagadougou

Colonialism brought significant changes to the city's structure. In 1896, French forces entered the city and burned it. Later, in 1919, the colonial administration made Ouagadougou the capital of the Upper Volta territory. This led to extensive rebuilding of the town. A major turning point occurred in 1954 when the railroad reached the city. This connection to the Ivory Coast spurred massive population growth. In more recent history, the city faced violence in January 2016. Gunmen attacked the Cappuccino restaurant and the Splendid Hotel. This event resulted in 28 deaths and many injuries. The city has also dealt with a jihadist insurgency throughout 2017 and 2018.

The economy of Ouagadougou is built on industry and commerce. Primary industries include food processing and textiles. For example, the Copromof workshop sews cotton lingerie. Many people move from the countryside to find industrial jobs. The industrial areas of Kossodo and Gounghin host many factories. The economy also includes a large informal sector. This involves petty commodity production and traditional trade near markets. The tertiary sector is also vital to the city. This includes banking, transport, communications, and tourism.

Ouagadougou place nations unies
Ouagadougou place nations unies

Transportation connects Ouagadougou to much of West Africa. The Thomas Sankara International Airport serves flights to Europe and the region.

Air Burkina 2012
Air Burkina 2012

The city is also linked by rail to Abidjan in the Ivory Coast. Sitarail operates a passenger train three times a week on this route. The journey can take between 43 and 48 hours.

Gare Ouagadougou 2013
Gare Ouagadougou 2013

For freight, the rail connects to Kaya. Several highways also link the city to Niamey in Niger and to Ghana. One of the city's largest markets is a major commercial hub. Although it burned down in 2003, it has reopened with better fire-prevention measures.

Culture and education are central to life in the city. Ouagadougou hosts major international festivals. These include FESPACO, which is Africa's largest film and television festival. The city also hosts SIAO, an international arts and crafts fair.

Ouagadougou Maison du peuple
Ouagadougou Maison du peuple

There are many museums, such as the National Museum of Music. The Moro-Naba Palace remains a significant cultural site. The Moro-Naba Ceremony is still performed every Friday by the court. Education is supported by three universities. The largest is the University of Ouagadougou, founded in 1974. In 2010, it held approximately 40,000 students.

Ouagadougou Maison du peuple
Ouagadougou Maison du peuple

Sports are also very popular. The Stade du 4-Août is the home of the main football team.

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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