Ouagadougou - The Capital of Burkina Faso
- Population
- 2,415,266
- Language
- Mooré
- Continent
- Africa
- Since
- 1441
- Eco Ranking
- 111/195
Source: Environmental Performance Index 2024.
About Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou has served as a seat of power since at least the 15th century, when it was the capital of the Mossi Kingdom of Ouagadougou, one of the most durable political structures in West Africa, surviving for over four centuries. French colonial forces captured the city in 1896, and it became the administrative center of the colony of Upper Volta. After independence in 1960, it continued as the capital of what would be renamed Burkina Faso in 1984 by revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara, whose government pursued pan-African socialist policies until his assassination in 1987. The country's recent political trajectory has been turbulent: two military coups occurred in 2022, the first in January deposing President Roch Kaboré, and the second in September bringing Captain Ibrahim Traoré to power at age 34. The transitional government has since expelled French troops who were stationed in the country under counterterrorism arrangements, and has pivoted toward Russia, including reported deployment of Wagner Group personnel. Ouagadougou remains the administrative, economic, and political center of a country facing severe insecurity from jihadist insurgencies across the Sahel. It is one of West Africa's fastest-growing cities by population.
About Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is currently governed by a military transitional government following coups in January and September 2022. The constitutional order established after the 2015 democratic transition has been suspended. The country is engaged in a protracted counterinsurgency against jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which has displaced millions and contributed to a political realignment away from France and toward Russia.
View Ouagadougou on the map
Flight time from Ouagadougou to other capitals
| City | Distance (km) | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rome | 3600 | 4h 14m |
| Paris | 4100 | 4h 49m |
| London | 4400 | 5h 11m |
| Cape Town | 5600 | 6h 35m |
| Abu Dhabi | 6000 | 7h 4m |
| Washington, D.C. | 7900 | 9h 18m |
| Buenos Aires | 8000 | 9h 25m |
| Singapore | 11600 | 13h 39m |
| Tokyo | 13300 | 15h 39m |
| Canberra | 16100 | 18h 56m |
Capitals with similar population to Ouagadougou
Capitals with similar eco ranking to Ouagadougou
Source: Environmental Performance Index 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ouagadougou the capital of Burkina Faso?
Ouagadougou was the historic capital of the Mossi Kingdom dating to the 15th century, making it the natural political center of the region long before European colonization. French administrators retained it as the colonial capital of Upper Volta, and it continued as the capital after independence in 1960.
What happened during Burkina Faso's 2022 coups?
Two military coups took place in 2022. In January, a military junta ousted elected President Roch Kaboré, citing his government's failure to contain jihadist violence. In September, Captain Ibrahim Traoré led a second coup deposing the January junta, consolidating power under a new transitional government.
Why did Burkina Faso expel French troops?
The transitional government led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré ordered the withdrawal of French special forces in early 2023, citing dissatisfaction with France's counterterrorism role and signaling a geopolitical pivot toward Russia. French troops had been deployed as part of broader Sahel counterterrorism operations.
What was Burkina Faso called before 1984?
The country was called Upper Volta from independence in 1960 until 1984, when revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara renamed it Burkina Faso, meaning 'Land of the Upright People' in a combination of the Mooré and Dioula languages.
Is Ouagadougou the largest city in Burkina Faso?
Yes, Ouagadougou is the largest city in Burkina Faso, with a population exceeding 2.4 million. It is significantly larger than the country's second city, Bobo-Dioulasso, and contains a disproportionate share of the country's government institutions, economic activity, and infrastructure.
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