Jump to content

Ouagadougou

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by LW86 (talk | contribs) at 23:55, 24 May 2014 (→Transport). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Ouagadougou
Place des cineastes
Place des cineastes
Nickname: 
Ouaga
Country Burkina Faso
RegionCentre Region
ProvinceKadiogo
Government
 • MayorCasimir Marin Ilboudo (since 2013)
Area
 • City219.3 km2 (84.7 sq mi)
 • Metro
2,805 km2 (1,083 sq mi)
Elevation
305 m (1,001 ft)
Population
 (2012)[1]
 • City1,626,950
 • Density6,727/km2 (17,420/sq mi)
 • Metro
1,727,390
Area code+226 50
WebsiteOfficial website

Ouagadougou (/ˌwɑːɡəˈduːɡuː/; Mossi: [ˈwaɡᵊdᵊɡᵊ]) is the capital of Burkina Faso and the administrative, communications, cultural and economic centre of the nation. It is also the country's largest city, with a population of 1,475,223 (as of 2006).[2] The city's name is often shortened to Ouaga. The inhabitants are called ouagalais. The spelling of the name Ouagadougou is derived from the French orthography common in former French African colonies. If English orthography were used (as in Ghana or Nigeria), the spelling would be Wagadugu.[3]

Ouagadougou's primary industries are food processing and textiles. It is served by an international airport, rail links to Abidjan in the Ivory Coast. There is no rail service to Kaya. There is a paved highway to Niamey, Niger, south to Ghana, and Southwest to Ivory Coast. Ouagadougou was the site of Ouagadougou grand market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, which burned in 2003 and has since been reopened. Other attractions include the National Museum of Burkina Faso, the Moro-Naba Palace (site of the Moro-Naba Ceremony), the National Museum of Music, and several craft markets.

History

Europe, Africa and the Near East in 1200 AD, showing the Kingdom of Wagadugu and its neighbors.

The name Ouagadougou dates back to the 15th century when the Ninsi tribes inhabited the area. They were in constant conflict until 1441 when Wubri, a Yonyonse hero and an important figure in Burkina Faso's history, led his tribe to victory. He then renamed the area from "Kumbee-Tenga", as the Ninsi had called it, to "Wage sabre soba koumbem tenga", meaning "head war chief's village". Ouagadougou is a Francophone spelling of the name.

The city became the capital of the Mossi Empire in 1441 and was the permanent residence of the Mossi emperors (Moro-Naba) from 1681.[4] The Moro-Naba Ceremony is still performed every Friday by the Moro-Naba and his court. The French made Ouagadougou the capital of the Upper Volta territory (basically the same area as contemporary independent Burkina Faso) in 1919. In 1954 the railroad line from Ivory Coast reached the city. The population of Ouagadougou doubled from 1954 to 1960 and has been doubling since about every ten years.[4]

Geography

Ouagadougou, situated on the central plateau (12.4° N 1.5° W), grew around the imperial palace of the Mogho Naaba. Being an administrative center of colonial rule, it became an important urban center in the post-colonial era. First the capital of the Mossi Kingdoms and later of Upper Volta and Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou became a veritable communal center in 1995.

Government

Town Hall of Ouagadougou

The first municipal elections were held in 1956.

Ouagadougou is governed by a mayor, who is elected for a five-year term, two senior councillors, and 90 councillors.

The city is divided into five arrondissements, consisting of 30 sectors, which are subdivided into districts. Districts of Ouagadougou include Gounghin, Kamsaoghin, Koulouba, Moemmin, Niogsin, Paspanga, Peuloghin, Bilbalogho, and Tiendpalogo. Seventeen villages comprise the Ouagadougou metropolitan area, which is about 219.3 square kilometres (84.7 sq mi).

The city is clean, pleasant, well-organized and relatively safe. There are good restaurants and hotels, clean water, and dependable electricity. Streets are paved, there are stoplights, which most drivers respect. Traffic is congested in some neighborhoods in the mornings and late afternoons.

The population of this area is estimated to be 1,475,000 inhabitants, 48% of which are men and 52% women. The rural population is about 5% and the urban population about 95% of the total, and the density is 6,727 inhabitants per square kilometer, according to 2006 census.

Concerning city management, the communes of Ouagadougou have made the decision to invest in huge projects. This is largely because Ouagadougou constitutes a 'cultural centre' by merit of holding the SIAO (International Arts and Crafts fair) and the FESPACO (Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou). Moreover, the growing affluence of the villages allow for such investment, and the fact that the population is growing rapidly necessitates it.[3]

The Arrondissements of Ouagadougou
Arrondissement Population (Census 2006)[2]
Baskuy 180,512
Bogodogo 374,473
Boulmiougou 366,182
Nongremassom 188,329
Sig-Noghin 163,859

Climate

See also: Burkina Faso § Geography and climate

The climate of Ouagadougou is hot semi-arid (BSh) under Köppen-Geiger classification, that closely borders with tropical wet and dry (Aw). The city is part of the Soudano-Sahelian area, with a rainfall of about 800 mm (31 in) per year. The rainy season stretches from May to October, its height from June to September, with a mean average temperature of 28 °C (82 °F). The cold season runs from December to January, with a minimum average temperature of 16 °C (61 °F). The maximum temperature during the hot season, which runs from March to May, can reach 43 °C (109 °F). The harmattan (a dry wind) and the monsoon are the two main factors that determine Ouagadougou's climate. Even though Ouagadougou is farther from the equator, its hottest months' temperatures are slightly hotter than those of Bobo-Dioulasso, the second most populous city.

Climate data for Ouagadougou
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 45
(113) 		45
(113) 		45
(113) 		47
(117) 		48
(118) 		44
(111) 		41
(106) 		38
(100) 		39
(102) 		41
(106) 		42
(108) 		45
(113) 		48
(118)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 32.2
(90.0) 		36.3
(97.3) 		38.4
(101.1) 		39.1
(102.4) 		37.3
(99.1) 		34.3
(93.7) 		31.8
(89.2) 		30.9
(87.6) 		32
(90) 		35.4
(95.7) 		35.9
(96.6) 		33.6
(92.5) 		34.8
(94.6)
Daily mean °C (°F) 24.6
(76.3) 		27.7
(81.9) 		30.7
(87.3) 		32.4
(90.3) 		31.4
(88.5) 		29.1
(84.4) 		27.1
(80.8) 		26.4
(79.5) 		26.9
(80.4) 		28.9
(84.0) 		27.5
(81.5) 		25.1
(77.2) 		28.2
(82.7)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 16.1
(61.0) 		19.1
(66.4) 		23
(73) 		25.7
(78.3) 		25.5
(77.9) 		23.9
(75.0) 		22.4
(72.3) 		21.9
(71.4) 		21.9
(71.4) 		22.5
(72.5) 		19.2
(66.6) 		16.7
(62.1) 		21.5
(70.7)
Record low °C (°F) 9
(48) 		12
(54) 		15
(59) 		15
(59) 		19
(66) 		17
(63) 		18
(64) 		14
(57) 		19
(66) 		18
(64) 		16
(61) 		11
(52) 		9
(48)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 0
(0) 		2
(0.1) 		5
(0.2) 		23
(0.9) 		71
(2.8) 		110
(4.3) 		176
(6.9) 		227
(8.9) 		139
(5.5) 		33
(1.3) 		1
(0.0) 		1
(0.0) 		788
(30.9)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) 0 0.1 0.5 0.6 3.3 4.8 8 10.9 5.7 1.3 0 0 35.2
Average relative humidity (%) 30.5 28.5 29.5 39.5 52.5 61 70 74 69.5 58 44 34.5 49.3
Mean daily sunshine hours 9 9 9 8 9 8 7 6 7 9 9 8 8
Source 1: Climate-Data.org, altitude: 298m[5]
Source 2: BBC Weather for humididty, sunshine, precipitation days and records[6]

Tourism

Parks

The Bangr-Weoogo urban park (area: 2.63 km2 (1 sq mi)), before colonialism, belonged to the Mosse chiefs. Considering it a sacred forest, many went there for traditional initiations or for refuge. The French colonists, disregarding its local significance and history, established it as a park in the 1930s. In 1985, renovations were done in the park. In January 2001, the park was renamed "Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo", meaning "the urban park of the forest of knowledge".

Another notable park in Ouagadougou is the "L'Unité Pédagogique", which shelters animals in a semi-free state. This botanic garden/biosphere system stretches over 8 hectares (20 acres) and also serves as a museum for the country's history.

"Jardin de l'amitié Ouaga-Loudun" (Garden of Ouaga-Loudun Friendship), with a green space that was renovated in 1996, is a symbol of the twin-city relationship between Ouagadougou and Loudun in France. It is situated in the center of the city, near the "Nation Unies' crossroads".

Other sites

"Naba Koom" is a statue depicting a woman handling a calabash to pour water. The 6-metre (20 ft) high statue faces the railway station, welcoming travellers into Ouaga. The place bears the name of an important chief in Burkina Faso’s history.

"Laongo", 30 km (19 mi) east of the city, features enormous granite slabs that were designed by various sculptors. The exhibit displays works of art from five continents.[3]

"La Place du Grand Lyon" is a monument that reflects the relationship between Burkina Faso's capital and Lyon in France. It is located near the French cultural Center George Melies and features an imposing lion. A zoo called "Parc Animalier de Ziniaré" is located 30 km (19 mi) east of the city in the hometown of the president.

  • National Museum of Music: exhibits all the musical instruments of Burkina Faso.
  • Musée de Manega: also exhibits musical instruments of Burkina Faso, Mossi rifles and other cultural items. Located 55 km (34 mi) northwest of the city

Sights of Ouagadougou

  • Ouagadougou seen from SPOT Satellite
    Ouagadougou seen from SPOT Satellite
  • aerial view of a new quarter, south-west of the city
    aerial view of a new quarter, south-west of the city
  • The artificial lake no. 2 in Ouagadougou
    The artificial lake no. 2 in Ouagadougou
  • Place de Cineaste at night
    Place de Cineaste at night
  • The Place des Nations Unies in the center of the city.
    The Place des Nations Unies in the center of the city.
  • A mosque downtown Ouagadougou
    A mosque downtown Ouagadougou
  • A street in the Bodogodo quarter
    A street in the Bodogodo quarter
  • Rood Woko, the central market
    Rood Woko, the central market

Historical sights

  • Ouagadougou in late December 1930 or early January 1931. Air photo taken by Swiss pilot and photographer Walter Mittelholzer.
    Ouagadougou in late December 1930 or early January 1931. Air photo taken by Swiss pilot and photographer Walter Mittelholzer.
  • Housing in Ouagadougou
    Housing in Ouagadougou
  • Rood Woko, the central Market in the 1990s
    Rood Woko, the central Market in the 1990s

Social life and education

Education

Though literacy in Ouagadougou is not high, there are three universities in the city. The largest college is the state University of Ouagadougou which was founded in 1974 and the UUPN, University of United Popular Nations based on international learning system. The official language in the city is French and the principal local languages are More, Dyula and Fulfulde. The bilingual program in schools (French plus one of the local languages) was established in 1994.[3] But this so-called bilingual program has never been effective. The local authorities have failed to implement it.

Sport, culture, and leisure

The Maison du Peuple

A wide array of sports, including association football, basketball, and volleyball, is played by Ouagadougou inhabitants. There are sports tournaments and activities organized by the local authorities. Ouagadougou FC's all time top goalscorer was English striker Chris Marriott who scored 69 goals in 75 games.

There are a number of cultural and art venues, such as the Maison du Peuple and Salle des Banquets, in addition to performances of many genres of music, including traditional folk music, modern music, and rap.[3]

Art and crafts

Several international festivals and activities are organized within the municipality, such as FESPACO (Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou), which is Africa's largest festival of this type, SIAO (International Art and Craft Fair), FESPAM (Pan-African Music Festival), FITMO (International Theatre and Marionnette Festival) and FESTIVO.[3][8]

Health

Ouagadougou has both state and private hospitals. The two state hospitals in the city are the Centre hospitalier national Yalgado Ouedraogo (CHNYO) and the Centre hospitalier national pédiatrique Charles de Gaulle (CHNP-CDG), but there are also private hospitals. Despite that, the local population still largely trusts traditional local medicine and the "pharmacopée".[3]

Transport

Ouagadougou train station

Many residents travel on motorcycles and mopeds. The large private vendor of motorcycles JC Megamonde sells 50,000 motorbikes and mopeds every year.[4]

Ouagadougou's citizens also travel in green cabs, which take their passengers anywhere in town for 200 to 400 CFA, but the price is higher after 10:00 pm and can then reach 1000 CFA. [citation needed]

Air transport

Ouagadougou Airport (code OUA) serves the area with flights to West Africa and Europe. Air Burkina has its head office in the Air Burkina Storey Building (French: Immeuble Air Burkina) in Ouagadougou.[9][10]

Brussels Airlines operates direct flights to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). For more information: http://www.brusselsairlines.com/en-be/destinations/burkina-faso/ouagadougou.aspx

Rail

Ouagadougou is connected by rail to Côte d'Ivoire and to Kaya in the north of Burkina Faso. See Rail transport in Burkina Faso.

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Burkina Faso

Twin towns – Sister cities

Ouagadougou is twinned with:

See also

References

  1. ^ "World Gazetteer". Archived from the original on 11 January 2013.
  2. ^ a b National 2006 census final results[dead link]
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Commune Ouagadougou (2005). Mairie de Ouagadougou. Retrieved 19 March 2006 from Mairie de Ouagadougou Template:Fr icon Cite error: The named reference "Com" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b c "French Wikipedia page". Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  5. ^ "Climate: Ouagadougou - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table". Climate-Data.org. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  6. ^ "Average Conditions Ouagadougou". BBC Weather. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  7. ^ "This is africa". Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  8. ^ La Girafe (2004). Ouaga-ca-bouge. Retrieved 19 March 2006 from Ouagadougou au Burkina Faso Template:Fr icon
  9. ^ "Contact-us". Air Burkina. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
  10. ^ "Contactez-nous." Air Burkina. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
  11. ^ "Partner Cities of Lyon and Greater Lyon". 2008 Mairie de Lyon. Retrieved 17 July 2009.
  12. ^ Ouagadougou and Taipei establish sister cities link[dead link]
  13. ^ "Taipei - International Sister Cities". Taipei City Council. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2013.

Media related to Ouagadougou at Wikimedia Commons

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ouagadougou&oldid=610006347"