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Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou (, Mossi ) is the capital of Burkina Faso. The administrative, communications, cultural and economic center of the nation, it is also the country's largest city, with a population of 1,181,702 (as of 2006)[1]. The city's name is often shortened to Ouaga. Ouagadougou's primary industries are food processing and textiles. It is served by an international airport, rail links to Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire and to Kaya in the north of Burkina, and a highway to Niamey, Niger. Being such a focal point, there are many cinemas, nightclubs, and French, American, and Zaka cultural centers. Ouagadougou was the site of Ouagadougou grand market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, which burned in 2003 and remains closed. 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
Near east in 1200 AD, showing Kingdom of Wagadugu and its neighbors. Geography
Barrage in Ouagadougou GovernmentThe first municipal elections were held in 1956. Ouagadougou is governed by a mayor, who is elected for a five-year term, two senior councilors, and 90 councilors. 
Typical street scene. Shows the Place des Nations Unies in the center of the city 
Ouagadougou seen from Spot Satellite The population of this metropolitan area is estimated to be 1,200,000 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 6,249 inhabitants per square kilometer, according to 1997 statistics. 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.[2]
Climate
Tourism
Nation Unies crossroad ParksA well-known site in Ouagadougou is the Bangr-Weoogo urban park (area: ). Before colonialism, it 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." Because of the many changes, new regulations have been put in place along with a new set of objectives for the park. 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 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 high-statue which faces the railway station, welcomes travellers into Ouaga. The place bears the name of an important chief in Burkina Faso?s history.?Laongo,? east of the city, features enormous granite slabs that were designed by sculptors. The exhibit displays works of art from five continents.[2] ?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. 
Memorial
Social life and educationEducationThough literacy in Ouagadougou is not high, there are currently 10 universities in the city. The state University of Ouagadougou was founded in 1974. The official language 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.[2] Sport, culture, and leisureA 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. 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.[2] Art and crafts
A Burkinabe man transporting chickens Practical informationCommunications and mediaCommunications and media contribute significantly to the development of Ouagadougou. Local state-funded media have been boosted, as city council members are trying to address problems, such as poor health care, prostitution, low literacy, and high criminality rates. To tackle these issues, the population's awareness needs to be raised. As a result, the media's importance is increased.[2] Hotels and restaurantsThere has been a recent increase in the quality of hotels and restaurants, and there are now a great number of four- and five-star hotels available.[4] Health
A side street Transport
Ouagadougou Airport serves the area with flights all over West Africa and to Europe. Sister cities
Housing in Ouagadougou
ReferencesExternal links
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