Why did Burkina Faso change their name?

A spokesperson for that country’s Mission to the United Nations said, ”We changed the name because >Upper Volta was a colonial name not from us but from the French Government, and because we are more than just a location on the river Volta. > Burkina Faso means ‘country of incorruptible people.

What was the former name for Burkina Faso?

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.

What is Burkina Faso called now?

Burkina Faso (since 1984) On 2 August 1984, on President Sankara’s initiative, the country’s name changed from “Upper Volta” to “Burkina Faso”, or land of the honest men; (the literal translation is land of the upright men.)

When did Upper Volta change to Burkina Faso?

1984
The United States recognized Upper Volta on August 5, 1960, in a congratulatory message from President Dwight D. Eisenhower to Prime Minister Maurice Yameogo. Upper Volta previously had been under French sovereignty. The state’s name changed from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso in 1984.

Why was Upper Volta changed to Burkina Faso?

Upper Volta became independent in 1960. In 1984, the country changed its name to Burkina Faso. Because of Burkina Faso is a poor country; it has not being able to satisfy the needs of its populations.

Which country colonized Burkina Faso?

French
The history of Burkina Faso includes the history of various kingdoms within the country, such as the Mossi kingdoms, as well as the later French colonisation of the territory and its independence as the Republic of Upper Volta in 1960.

When did Burkina Faso change its name from Upper Volta?

On 4 August 1984, on President Sankara’s initiative, the country’s name was changed from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso (land of the upright/honest people).

How did Burkina Faso get its two names?

He chose two names after two main languages of the country: the Moore (or Mossi language) and the Dioula. Burkina from Mòoré means ‘men of integrity‘, while Faso in Diouala means ‘fatherland‘. Thus the Burkina Faso is ‘the land of upright people‘ or ‘the land of honest people‘.

How did Burkina Faso gain its independence?

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. Upper Volta became independent in 1960. In 1984, the country changed its name to Burkina Faso.

What is the population of Burkina Faso in 2017?

In 2017, its population was estimated at just over 20 million. Burkina Faso is a francophone country, with French as the official language of government and business. Formerly called the Republic of Upper Volta (1958–1984), the country was renamed “Burkina Faso” on 4 August 1984 by then-President Thomas Sankara.