Overall Score
In the territory between the White and Black Volta rivers lies Ouagadougou, which is the capital of Bourquin-Faso, its economic, transport and cultural center. It is the largest city in the country. It is home to an international airport with flights to Abidjan, Kaya, and Niamh.
Till 2003, the city was home to one of the largest Western African bazaars, which could never be rebuilt after a fire. Ouagadougou was first founded as a settlement on the grounds of the palace of Mauro-Naba, the king of the Mosaic tribe. At one stage the city was the capital of the kingdom of Moses, then the colonial capital of the Upper Volta and subsequently of Bourquin Faso.
The city has meatpacking, rice and fiber plants, a cinnamon and haricot nut processing plant, a staple mill, a cement plant, and a coat factory. Motorcycle and motorcycle companies are active.
Ouagadougou is home to nightclubs, movie theaters, as well as American and French cultural and entertainment complexes. The citys landmarks are the Moro naba Palace, the National Museum of Music, and the City Museum of History. Local art treasures are available in the citys shops. This is the center of the agricultural region. A traditional industry is cowhide.
The origin of the citys name is related to the tribe of cattlemen who roamed the area in the 15th century. In 1441, the polemys led by Voubry led the way in the Civil War that took place on the territory of the modern country in those years. As a result, the city was renamed Ouagadougou, which translated means Place where the people have gained glory. The French colonizers transformed Ouagadougou into the capital city of the Upper Volta Colony in 1919. After independence, the country was called Bourkina Faso. From 1954, Côte dIvoire was connected by rail.
The present city is the site of various festivals, in particular film and television, art and crafts, music and theatre. Many citizens travel around their city on bicycles and motorcycles. While there are plenty of private and public clinics, local residents prefer to seek medical care from shamans and traditional healers.
Overall Score
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Ambiguous
- Population: 1,500,000 people
- GDP: $627 / year
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 2 Mbps
- Best wireless: Orange
- Tipping: There are no strict rules about tipping in Burkina Faso. Tipping in a maquis (rustic restaurant), or if you’ve bargained a taxi fare, is not done. More upmarket restaurants are accustomed to receiving tips, though it remains very much at your discretion.
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coffee 24/7: La Fabrique
- Best coworking space: La Fabrique
- Best hospital: Hpital Saint Camille de Ouagadougou
- Best short-haul air carrier: Air Burkina
- Best intl air carrier: Air Burkina
- Monthly costs for expat: $950
- Monthly costs for family: $1600
- Monthly costs for local: $460
- Meal: $5.5
- Small Cola: $0.9
- Beer 1 Pint: $1.9
- Coffee: $1.5
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