# Bobo-Dioulasso

> town in Burkina Faso

**Wikidata**: [Q223761](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q223761)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobo-Dioulasso)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bobo-dioulasso

## Summary
Bobo-Dioulasso is a city in Burkina Faso, serving as the capital of Houet Province and Guiriko. With a population of 903,887 as of 2019, it is a major urban center in the country, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: City (instance of)
- **Area**: 136.78 square kilometers
- **Population**: 903,887 (2019 census), 489,967 (2006 census), 309,711 (1996 census), 228,668 (1985 census)
- **Coordinates**: 11.183333°N, 4.283333°W
- **Elevation**: 445 meters above sea level
- **Timezone**: UTC±00:00
- **Country**: Burkina Faso (since 1984), previously part of the Republic of Upper Volta (1960–1984) and French Upper Volta (1919–1958)
- **Administrative Status**: Capital of Houet Province and Guiriko
- **Identifiers**:
  - WOEID: 1456351
  - GND ID: 4260804-1
  - ROR ID: 01zkyh967
  - FAST ID: 1206249
  - VIAF ID: 136031314
  - Grid ID: grid.463237.7
  - UN/LOCODE: BFBOY
  - Geonames ID: 2362344
  - MusicBrainz Area ID: 242d5726-819d-4581-904f-131922c286c6
- **Aliases**: Commune de Bobo Dioulasso, Bobo Dioulasso, Bobo Diulaso, Bobo-Diulaso, 博博迪烏拉索, 보보디올라소, 보보-디울라소
- **Website**: [www.bobodioulasso.net](http://www.bobodioulasso.net/)
- **Twinned Cities**: Bamako (1994), Châlons-en-Champagne (1970), Fez (2005), Saint-Étienne (2009), Gironde (1993)

## FAQs
**What is the population of Bobo-Dioulasso?**
As of the 2019 census, the population was 903,887, with previous estimates of 489,967 in 2006 and 309,711 in 1996.

**What is the area of Bobo-Dioulasso?**
The city covers an area of 136.78 square kilometers.

**What is the elevation of Bobo-Dioulasso?**
Bobo-Dioulasso is located at an elevation of 445 meters above sea level.

**What are the administrative roles of Bobo-Dioulasso?**
Bobo-Dioulasso serves as the capital of both Houet Province and Guiriko.

**What are the official languages of Bobo-Dioulasso?**
The city is served by Wikipedia in multiple languages, including Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bengali, Breton, Catalan, Cebuano, Czech, Welsh, Danish, German, English, Esperanto, Spanish, Persian, Finnish, French, North Frisian, Galician, Hausa, Hebrew, Croatian, Hungarian, Armenian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Javanese, Georgian, Korean, Kyrgyz, Lithuanian, Latvian, Moksha, Malagasy, Mossi, Dutch, Norwegian, N'Ko, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Simple English, Slovak, Albanian, Serbian, Swedish, Swahili, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Volapük, Waray, and Chinese.

## Why It Matters
Bobo-Dioulasso is a significant urban center in Burkina Faso, playing a crucial role in the country's administrative, economic, and cultural landscape. Its historical evolution from a colonial-era settlement to a modern city reflects the broader development of West Africa. The city's strategic location and population make it a key node in regional trade and governance. Additionally, its twinning relationships with other cities highlight its international connections and collaborative efforts in urban development and cultural exchange.

## Notable For
- **Population Growth**: Significant increases in population from 1985 to 2019, indicating rapid urbanization.
- **Administrative Capital**: Serves as the capital of both Houet Province and Guiriko.
- **Cultural Hub**: Hosts a diverse population and serves as a center for cultural and economic activities.
- **Historical Significance**: Transitioned from French Upper Volta to independent Burkina Faso, reflecting broader regional political changes.
- **Twinning Relationships**: Partnered with cities in Africa, Europe, and Morocco, demonstrating international cooperation.

## Body
### Geography and Demographics
Bobo-Dioulasso is situated at coordinates 11.183333°N, 4.283333°W, with an elevation of 445 meters above sea level. The city spans 136.78 square kilometers, making it a substantial urban area within Burkina Faso. The population has grown significantly over the years, from 228,668 in 1985 to 903,887 in 2019, reflecting its status as a major urban center.

### Administrative and Political Status
Bobo-Dioulasso serves as the capital of both Houet Province and Guiriko, underscoring its importance in the regional administrative structure. The city has undergone political transitions, including its incorporation into Burkina Faso in 1984 after the country's independence from France.

### Cultural and Economic Significance
The city is a cultural and economic hub, with a diverse population and significant trade activity. Its twinning relationships with cities such as Bamako, Châlons-en-Champagne, Fez, Saint-Étienne, and Gironde highlight its role in international cooperation and urban development.

### Historical Context
Bobo-Dioulasso has evolved from a colonial-era settlement to a modern city, reflecting broader regional developments. Its historical significance is further emphasized by its inclusion in various encyclopedias and cultural references.

### Identifiers and References
The city is referenced by numerous identifiers, including WOEID (1456351), GND ID (4260804-1), ROR ID (01zkyh967), FAST ID (1206249), VIAF ID (136031314), Grid ID (grid.463237.7), UN/LOCODE (BFBOY), and Geonames ID (2362344). These identifiers reflect its recognition in various databases and systems.

### Media and Communication
Bobo-Dioulasso is served by Wikipedia in multiple languages, indicating its importance in global communication and cultural exchange. The city's website, [www.bobodioulasso.net](http://www.bobodioulasso.net/), provides additional information and resources.

### Notable Achievements
The city's population growth and administrative roles demonstrate its significance in Burkina Faso's urban landscape. Its twinning relationships and cultural references further highlight its role in regional and international contexts.

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-05-22
2. [Source](https://www.fescity.com/jumelage/)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. MusicBrainz
7. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
8. GeoNames
9. BBC Things
10. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/bf.htm)