History of Ouagadougou in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 7, 2025

Ouagadougou, often shortened to Ouaga, is the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso. Serving as the nation's administrative, communications, cultural, and economic hub, it had a population of over 2.4 million in 2019. The city's name reflects French orthography, a legacy of Burkina Faso's colonial past. Residents of Ouagadougou are known as Ouagalais.

1919: Ouagadougou Made Capital

In 1919, the colonial administration made Ouagadougou the capital of the Upper Volta territory, extensively rebuilding the town.

1954: Railroad Line Reaches Ouagadougou

In 1954, the railroad line from Ivory Coast reached Ouagadougou, spurring massive population growth.

1956: First Municipal Elections

In 1956, Ouagadougou held its first municipal elections.

1974: University of Ouagadougou Founded

In 1974, the state University of Ouagadougou, the largest university in the city, was founded.

1985: Renovations in Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park

In 1985, renovations were done in the Bangr-Weoogo urban park.

1994: Bilingual Program Established

In 1994, a bilingual program in schools, teaching French plus one of the local languages, was established in Ouagadougou.

1996: Renovation of Jardin de l'amitié Ouaga-Loudun

In 1996, the green space of "Jardin de l'amitié Ouaga-Loudun" (Garden of Ouaga-Loudun Friendship) was renovated.

January 2001: Park Renamed Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo

In January 2001, the Bangr-Weoogo urban park was renamed "Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo", meaning "the urban park of the forest of knowledge".

2003: Market Fire and Reopening

In 2003, Ouagadougou's largest market burned down, but it has since been reopened with improved facilities and fire-prevention measures.

2010: Student Population at University of Ouagadougou

In 2010, the University of Ouagadougou had approximately 40,000 students, representing 83% of the national university student population.

June 2014: Passenger Train Service by Sitarail

As of June 2014, Sitarail operates a passenger train three times a week along the route from Ouagadougou to Abidjan.

January 2016: Attack on Central Ouagadougou

On 15 January 2016, gunmen attacked central Ouagadougou at the Cappuccino restaurant and the Splendid Hotel, resulting in 28 deaths and at least 56 wounded. A counterattack resulted in the release of 176 hostages, and three perpetrators were killed.