Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

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Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Region: Kadiogo

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Geographic Coordinates: 12.368600, -1.527500

Climate: Dry and hot climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 40°C.

Population: 2453496

Language: French

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Ouagadougou is the capital city of Burkina Faso, A landlocked country in West Africa. The city has a population of over 2 million people and is the political, Economic, And cultural center of Burkina Faso. Ouagadougou is located on the southern edge of the Sahel region, Which means that it has a hot and dry climate with temperatures often exceeding 40°C during the day. The name Ouagadougou comes from the Mossi language, Spoken by one of Burkina Faso’s largest ethnic groups. It means the place where people get honor and respect.

The city was founded in the 15th century as a small village by Mossi farmers. In the late 19th century, It became an important center for trade between Europeans and Africans. Today, Ouagadougou is known for its vibrant culture and bustling markets. One of its most famous landmarks is the Grand Mosque which can accommodate up to 5, 000 worshippers at once. Another popular attraction is La Place des Cineastes (Filmmakers’ Square), Which hosts an annual film festival that attracts filmmakers from all over Africa.

The National Museum of Burkina Faso houses collections that showcase traditional Burkinabe art forms such as masks, Pottery, Textiles and jewelry. Visitors can learn about Burkina Faso’s history through exhibits on pre-colonial times to present-day issues such as environmental degradation. One unique aspect of Ouagadougou’s culture is its music scene with several music festivals throughout the year including Jazz à Ouaga (Jazz in Ouaga) featuring local jazz musicians alongside international acts.

Despite being one of Africa’s poorest countries with high levels of poverty and unemployment rates among young people especially women; there are initiatives aimed at improving life quality in Ouagadougou such as public transportation investment with its Bus Rapid Transit system or measures to improve waste management. Ouagadougou is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Burkina Faso’s history and traditions. Its bustling markets, Music festivals, Museums and landmarks make it an exciting destination for anyone interested in exploring West Africa’s culture.

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1. Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou
2. National Museum of Burkina Faso
3. Ouagadougou Cathedral
4. Moro-Naba Palace
5. Place des Cineastes
6. Laongo Sculpture Symposium
7. Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou
8. Ziniare Crocodile Pond
9. Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo
10. Monument de l’Independance

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1. Agriculture
• Cotton
• Maize
• Sorghum
• Millet
• Rice
• Vegetables
2. Mining
• Gold
• Manganese
• Zinc
• Lead
• Copper
3. Manufacturing
• Textiles (cotton fabrics)
• Food products (sugar)
• Beverages (beer)
• Construction materials (cement)
• Consumer goods
4. Services
• Banks
5. Tourism
• Laongo sculpture park
• National museum of music
6. Information technology
• Software development firms

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1. The Mossi Kingdom: Ouagadougou was established in the 15th century as the capital of the Mossi Kingdom, which was a powerful empire that governed much of West Africa.
2. French Colonialism: In 1896, France established a colonial presence in Ouagadougou and designated it as the capital of Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso).
3. Thomas Sankara: Thomas Sankara was a Burkinabe military officer and revolutionary who served as President from 1983 until his assassination in 1987. He is remembered for his progressive policies on women’s rights, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
4. The National Museum of Burkina Faso: The National Museum of Burkina Faso is situated in Ouagadougou and showcases artifacts from pre-colonial times to present-day.
5. The International Arts and Crafts Fair (SIAO): SIAO is an annual event held in Ouagadougou that highlights traditional arts and crafts from various parts of Africa.
6. The Pan-African Film Festival (FESPACO): FESPACO is a biennial film festival held in Ouagadougou that celebrates African cinema.
7. Blaise Compaoré: Blaise Compaoré ruled as President of Burkina Faso from 1987 until he was removed by popular protests in 2014.
8. The University of Ouaga II: The University of Ouaga II ranks among Burkina Faso’s top universities and has produced many distinguished scholars over time.
9. Laongo Sculpture Symposium: Laongo Sculpture Symposium comprises an outdoor sculpture park located on the outskirts of Ouagadougou featuring works by artists from across Africa.
10. Mariam Sankara: Mariam Sankara, the widow of Thomas Sankara, advocates for human rights and women’s empowerment in Burkina Faso.

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1. National Museum of Burkina Faso
2. Musée des Civilisations de la Manega
3. Laongo Sculpture Symposium
4. Place de la Nation
5. Grande Mosquée de Ouagadougou
6. Moro-Naba Palace
7. Cathedral of Ouagadougou
8. Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou
9. Centre National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM)
10. Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso

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1. FESPACO is the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, which is held every two years and is one of the largest film festivals in Africa.
2. NAKOMA is an annual festival that celebrates the traditional culture of Burkina Faso through music, dance, and cultural performances.
3. SIAO brings together artisans from across West Africa to showcase their work at the International Art and Craft Fair of Ouagadougou.
4. The MORO-NABA CEREMONY is an annual event that celebrates the Mossi people’s culture and history with traditional dances, music, and rituals.
5. The ZAGREBEGRIN DANCE FESTIVAL showcases traditional Burkinabe dances performed by local troupes.
6. Burkina Faso celebrates International Women’s Day every year on March 8th with parades, speeches, and cultural events as part of WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS.
7. On December 31st each year, Ouagadougou comes alive with fireworks displays and street parties to celebrate NEW YEAR’S EVE or LA NUIT DE LA SAINT SYLVESTRE.
8. Burkina Faso’s National Day on December 11th is celebrated with parades featuring military bands and cultural performances in Ouagadougou’s main square during NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS.

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• Rood Woko: A restaurant that serves traditional Burkinabe dishes such as poulet bicyclette (bicycle chicken), riz gras (spiced rice), and tô (a dough-like dish made from millet or sorghum).
• Maquis Chez Tonton: A casual eatery where you can try grilled meat skewers, fish, and other local specialties.
• Le Bistro: A French-inspired restaurant that offers a mix of European and African dishes.
• La Taverne du Lion: An outdoor bar-restaurant with live music performances on weekends.
• Le Bambou Bar & Restaurant: A popular spot for expats serving international cuisine such as pizza, burgers, and pasta.
• Chez Fatimata: Known for its delicious brochettes (meat skewers) and grilled fish served with sides of plantains or yams.
• La Terrasse de l’Institut Français de Ouagadougou: Located within the French cultural center in Ouaga, this restaurant offers a fusion of French and Burkinabe cuisine with a beautiful view of the city skyline.
• Les Jardins de Kibidwé : An upscale restaurant specializing in gourmet African-French fusion cuisine featuring fresh ingredients from their own organic garden on site.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park: This large park features walking trails, picnic areas, and even a zoo.
2. National Museum of Burkina Faso: This museum is dedicated to showcasing the cultural heritage of the country.
3. Place des Cineastes: An outdoor cinema where films are screened for free.
4. Maison du Peuple: A cultural center that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other events.
5. Ouaga Beach Club: An artificial beach with swimming pools and water activities.
6. Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou: A market selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
7. Stade du 4-Aout: A sports stadium where football matches are held.
8. Centre Culturel Français Georges Melies – A French Cultural Center that offers art exhibits, film screenings, concerts & more
9. Laongo Sculpture Symposium Park – An open-air sculpture park showcasing works by local artists from Burkina Faso as well as international artists from around the world

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Let The Journey Begin.

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