Republic of Upper Volta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Republic of Upper Volta
République de Haute-Volta (French)
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| 1958–1984 | |||||||||
 Flag
 Coat of arms
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Motto: "Unité – Travail – Justice"
"Unity – Work – Justice" |
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Anthem: Hymne National Voltaïque
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| Capital | Ouagadougou | ||||||||
| Common languages | French | ||||||||
| Government | Republic | ||||||||
| President | |||||||||
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• 1959–1966
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Maurice Yaméogo | ||||||||
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• 1982–1983
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Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo | ||||||||
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• 1983–1984
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Thomas Sankara | ||||||||
| High Commissioner | |||||||||
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• 1958–1959
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Max Berthet | ||||||||
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• 1959–1960
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Paul Masson | ||||||||
| Prime Minister | |||||||||
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• 1971–1974
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Gérard Kango Ouédraogo | ||||||||
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• 1983
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Thomas Sankara | ||||||||
| Historical era | Cold War | ||||||||
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• Self-governing colony
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December 11 1958 | ||||||||
| August 5, 1960 | |||||||||
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• Renamed
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August 4 1984 | ||||||||
| Currency | CFA franc | ||||||||
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| Today part of |  Burkina Faso |
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The Republic of Upper Volta was the name of a country in West Africa. Today, this country is known as Burkina Faso. It was a French colony for many years.
Upper Volta became an independent nation in 1960. Its capital city was Ouagadougou. The country's motto was "Unity – Work – Justice."
Contents
History of Upper Volta
Upper Volta was first a French colony from 1918 to 1932. During this time, it was part of the larger French colonial empire in Africa.
Changes to the Country's Borders
In 1932, the French government decided to break up Upper Volta. Its land was divided among three nearby French colonies. These were French Sudan (which is now Mali), Niger, and Ivory Coast.
However, in 1947, Upper Volta was brought back together. It was given its old borders again. This meant it became a separate territory once more.
Path to Independence
Upper Volta became a self-governing colony in 1958. This was a step towards becoming fully independent. On August 5, 1960, Upper Volta gained complete independence from France.
Renaming to Burkina Faso
The Republic of Upper Volta existed until 1984. On August 4, 1984, the country was renamed Burkina Faso. This new name means "Land of Incorruptible People" or "Land of Honest People."
Leaders of Upper Volta
During its time as an independent republic, Upper Volta had several leaders.
Presidents
- Maurice Yaméogo was the first president. He led the country from 1959 to 1966.
- Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo served as president from 1982 to 1983.
- Thomas Sankara became president in 1983. He was president when the country changed its name to Burkina Faso in 1984.
See also
In Spanish: Alto Volta para niños
