Burkina Faso is a country in West Africa that is landlocked between six countries. No access to the sea, therefore, for this country which was called the Republic of Upper Volta until 4 August 1984. The population of the country lives mainly in the provinces of Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso became independent on 5 August 1960 and is a state whose official language is French. It should be noted that Fulani, Moré and Dioula have the status of national languages.
The list of the largest cities in Burkina Faso
1. Ouagadougou, the capital of the country
This city of 3 million inhabitants is the largest city in the state. “Ouaga” is located in the centre of the country in the province of Kadiogo.
Etymologically, the name Ouagadougou comes from the words Wogodogo and Woortenga. This means “where one receives honours”. It should be noted that Ouagadougou was originally called Kombemtinga. The significant capital of Burkina Faso was created around the 11th century.
What to see in Ouagadougou
The main points of interest are the palace of the Presidency, which is called the Kosyam Palace. But there is also the National Heroes Monument and the Filmmakers’ Square. On the cultural level, the House of the People, CENASA (the centre of arts, entertainment and audiovisual), the National Museum or the Music Museum are places of significant interest.
2. Bodo-Dioulasso, one of the largest cities in Burkina Faso
With 807,000 inhabitants, Bodo-Dioulasso is the second-largest city in Burkina Faso.
This city is located in the province of Houet (region of the large basins). An area which is located in the south-west of the country. Bobo-Dioulasso is therefore at a crossroads of West Africa. This large city of Burkina Faso is halfway on the railway line that connects Abidjan to Ouagadougou.
The city’s activity revolves around the industry. Food processing industry, chemical industry and metallurgy are all pillars that have enabled the development of one of the largest cities in Burkina Faso.
What to see in Bodo-Dioulasso?
This city is remarkable for its architecture. The most beautiful monuments in the town are the Bodo-Dioulasso train station, its town hall and the Great Mosque.
On a cultural level, you should not miss the craftsmen’s quarter or the ASPAC (the museum of the music of yesterday and today). Without forgetting the Senoufo René Fournier cultural centre and the Sogossira Sanou municipal museum.
3. Koudougou
There are 183,332 inhabitants in Koudougou. This city of the Boulkiemdé Province is located in the centre of the country, on the Mossi Plateau, about a hundred kilometres from the capital Ouagadougou.
The city’s economy is mainly based on agriculture.
What to do and see in Koudougou?
This large city in Burkina Faso was created around the 13th century. The ruins of the palace of Lallé Naaba bear witness to a rich historical past.
On a cultural level, there is a theatre in Koudougou, called the famous theatre of Koudougou. Buildings not to be missed are the Saint-Augustin Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Issouka.
4. Fada N’Gourma
The city of Fada N’Gourma is one of the largest cities in Burkina Faso. With 180,356 inhabitants, this town in the province of Gourma is located in the east of the country. The inhabitants of Fada N’Gourma are called the Fadalais.
Historically, the city was founded by the ruler Yandabili who ruled the province between 1709 and 1736. Historically the town was called Nungu before being renamed by mistake by the Fada colonizers.
5. Ouahigouya
There are about 170,000 inhabitants in Ouahigouya. This city is the capital (chief town) of the Yatenga province. This province is located in the north of the country.
6. Tenkodogo
There are 166,000 inhabitants in this town in the Centre-East region. Tenkodogo is located about 180 kilometres southeast of the capital. The city is situated in a communication node between Togo and Burkina Faso.
7. Solenzo
The seventh-largest city in Burkina Faso has a population of about 164,000.
8. Kaya
There are about 162,400 inhabitants in Kaya. The town is located in the north-central region. The economy of the city is mainly based on animal farming and agriculture.
9. Gorom-Gorom
There are 155,600 inhabitants in a town in the Sahel region in the far north of the country. The population of the city is made up of Bellas, Peuls, Touaregs, Songhai and Mossis.
The city’s economy is based on the few gold mines in the surrounding area. Gorom-Gorom is also a significant trading place with its large market.
10. Banfora
There are about 154,000 inhabitants in Banfora. This town is located in the province of Comoé. It was founded in 1903.
The town has been able to develop thanks to its food industry. Moreover, the name of the province where Banfora is located means the land of the black peasant. The main crops of the area are sugar cane and mango.