Ouagadougou

Overview

Ouaga, as the capital of Burkina Faso is generally known as the home to the Mossi, the largest ethnic group in the nation. Located in the center of the country the city has wide tree-lined boulevards and several interesting sights including the National Museum of Arts and Craft, the Nouveau Grand Marche  and the Moro Naba Palace.

All the sights can be easily reached on foot. They are not outstanding, but the atmosphere is relaxed and the Burkinabés are known to be very hospitable and friendly. Ouagadougou's Grande Marché is also worth a visit however it remains to be rebuilt after a fire ravaged it in 2003. It's in the centre of town and has a number of great stalls upstairs. Unlike many other Western African-Sahelian cities, Ouagadougou is not predominantly Muslim so it's also got a lively nightclub scene.

History

Dominant Mossi ethnicity, but many other ethnicities are also here (Samo, Gourounsi, Lobi, etc). Languages spoken: French, Moore, some Jula (derivative of Bambara).