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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.

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 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.

Coordinates: 12°16′N 2°4′W / 12.267°N 2.067°W / 12.267; -2.067


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