Ouagadougou Department, Capital city and administrative territory in Kadiogo Province, Burkina Faso
Ouagadougou is the capital city of Burkina Faso, located in the Kadiogo Province in West Africa. The city sits on flat, dry terrain and is laid out in a grid of streets, making it relatively straightforward to navigate on foot or by vehicle.
Ouagadougou was a center of the Mossi kingdoms in the region during the medieval period and grew into the most important city among them. In the late 19th century it came under French colonial rule, and it later became the capital of independent Burkina Faso after the country gained independence in 1960.
In Ouagadougou, colorful cotton fabrics called Faso Dan Fani are worn in everyday life and can be seen throughout the city streets. These cloths are made into clothing and accessories that reflect a long local tradition of textile work.
The coolest and driest time to visit is between November and February, when daytime temperatures are more comfortable. Light clothing and plenty of water are advisable year-round, as the city sits in a hot and dry region with a short rainy season from June to September.
Every Friday morning, a short ceremony called the Moro Naaba takes place in front of the Mossi king's palace in the city. This ceremony reenacts a moment from the Mossi people's past and is open for visitors to watch.
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