Ouagadougou, commonly referred to as Ouaga, is the capital city of Burkina Faso and is home to 2.453 million (2019) Ouagalais, as they are known. The city was founded in the fifteenth century when two populations coexisted in the area, the Yonyonse and NINS. It gained its name following defeat of the NINS (Ninsi) by the Yonyonse under the leadership of Wubri son of Zoungrana after years of repeated attacks. Wubri then renamed the whole area 'Wogodogo' meaning 'it receives honour, respect'. Ouagadougou is a language variant of Wogodogo.
The secular capital of the Mossi Empire, Ouagadougou is located on the central plateau of the country and the city is structured around the imperial palace of Mogho Naaba, a palace built in post-colonial period, with Sudano-Sahelian architecture that "integrates elements of modernity in a traditional dimension."
You can't really visit Ouagadougou without checking out the Rood Wooko market which is located in the centre f the city and is very busy and loud but you can buy most things there. Also check out the local food, especially 'poulet bicyclette', singed chciken, accompanied by the local beer, Brakina. The video (above) shows you around Ouagadougou and gives a good taste of life in the city.
