What did Thomas Sankara accomplish?

Sankara launched a mass vaccination program in an attempt to eradicate polio, meningitis and measles. From 1983 to 1985, 2 million Burkinabé were vaccinated. Prior to Sankara’s presidency infant mortality in Burkina Faso was about 20.8\%, during his presidency it fell to 14.5\%.

How did Burkina Faso gain their independence?

The Republic of Upper Volta declared independence on 5 August 1960. The first president, Maurice Yaméogo, was the leader of the Voltaic Democratic Union (UDV). The 1960 constitution provided for election by universal suffrage of a president and a national assembly for 5-year terms.

What did Burkina Faso used to be called?

Upper Volta
A former French colony, it gained independence as Upper Volta in 1960. The name Burkina Faso, which means “Land of Incorruptible People,” was adopted in 1984. The capital, Ouagadougou, is in the centre of the country and lies about 500 miles (800 km) from the Atlantic Ocean. Burkina Faso Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

How is life in Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso is in 182nd place out of 189 countries and territories in 2019 when ranked in terms of life expectancy, literacy, access to knowledge and the living standards of a country with a life expectancy of 61.17 years (2018) making it significantly lower than both low human development and sub-Saharan development.

How was Burkina Faso colonized?

Burkina Faso, previously known as Upper Volta, was once part of French West Africa since 1896 until 1960. Later in 1890, it was colonised by the French who rewrote the borders, according to these present borders. The country marched towards independence under a Mossi dominated party.

What is Burkina Faso most known for?

Burkina Faso, which means “land of honest men”, has significant reserves of gold, but the country has faced domestic and external concern over the state of its economy and human rights. A former French colony, it gained independence as Upper Volta in 1960.