OUAGADOUGOU

also spelled Wagadugu, capital and largest town of Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta), West Africa. It was the capital of the historic Mossi kingdom of Wagadugu (founded in the 15th century) and the seat of the morho naba (great king) of the Mossi people. Islam became the religion of the kings under Naba Dulugu (ruled 1796?1825?). The morho naba still lives in the city, though his powers have been greatly eclipsed by the French colonial and post-independent administrations. Ouagadougou is a city of large trees and modern public buildings abutting traditional residential neighbourhoods. It has a market, a crafts centre, the national museum, and the University of Ouagadougou (1969). It is connected by rail to the Atlantic port of Abidjan, Cte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), and has an international airport. Major products include textiles, carbonated beverages, matches, and footwear. Pop. (1985 est.) 359,801.