burkina faso , Jia Paga

Overview of Japaga, Burkina Faso

Japaga is the capital of the North-Central Region of Burkina Faso, located about 200 kilometers north of the capital city of Ouagadougou, and is an important transportation hub connecting the Sahel region in the north with the economic centers of the south. The name of the city means "land of boulders" in the local Moorish language, which is derived from the unique sandstone landscape of the surrounding area.

Geographic and demographic characteristics

Japaga is situated in the transition zone between the Sahelian and Sudanese steppes, with an average annual precipitation of about 600 millimeters and distinct dry and rainy seasons. As a regional administrative and commercial center, it has a population of about 100,000 (2022 estimate), with a predominantly Moorish and Fulani population and Islam as the main religion.

Economy and livelihood

The economy is based on agriculture and animal husbandry, mainly cultivating sorghum, millet and peanuts, and animal husbandry is based on cattle and sheep breeding. In recent years, relying on the transportation advantage of the N15 national highway, it has developed into a regional distribution market for cotton and livestock. The city has infrastructure such as a regional hospital, a vocational and technical school and a solar power station.

Cultural and Tourism Highlights

The annual traditional horse race meeting after the rainy season is the most distinctive cultural event in Japaga, attracting participants from the surrounding areas. The city is surrounded by natural grottoes and prehistoric petroglyph sites, and 80 kilometers to the east you can reach the Arlie National Park for West African savanna wildlife viewing.