Republic of Upper Volta

Republic of Upper Volta République de Haute-Volta 1958–1984 Flag Coat of arms Motto "Unité – Travail – Justice" (French) "Unity – Work – Justice" Anthem Hymne National Voltaïque Capital Ouagadougou Languages French Government Republic President  •  1959–1966 Maurice Yaméogo  •  1983–1984 Thomas Sankara High Commissioner  •  1958–1959 Max Berthet  •  1959–1960 Paul Masson Prime Minister  •  1971–1974 Gérard Kango Ouedraogo  •  1983 Thomas Sankara Historical era Cold War  •  Self-governing colony December 11, 1958  •  Independence August 5, 1960  •  Renamed August 4, 1984 Currency CFA franc Preceded by Succeeded by French Upper Volta Burkina Faso

The Republic of Upper Volta (French: République de Haute-Volta) was a landlocked west-African country established on December 11, 1958, as a self-governing colony within the French Community. Before attaining autonomy it had been French Upper Volta and part of the French Union. On August 5, 1960, it attained full independence from France.

Overview

File:Upper volta map with rivers.PNG

Map showing the Volta River in Upper Volta.

Thomas Sankara came to power through a military coup d'état on August 4, 1983. After the coup, he formed the National Council for the Revolution (CNR), with himself as president. Under the direction of Sankara, the country changed its name on August 4, 1984, from the Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means "Land of Incorruptible People".

The name Upper Volta indicated that the country contains the upper part of the Volta River. The river is divided into three parts—the Black Volta, White Volta, and Red Volta, which form the colors of the national flag corresponding to parts of the river.

See also

• History of Burkina Faso
• List of governors of Upper Volta
• List of heads of state of Burkina Faso
• List of heads of government of Burkina Faso