French Upper Volta and two years later on 5 August 1960, it attained full independence. On 4 August 1984, the name was changed to Burkina Faso. The name Upper Volta indicates that the country contains the upper part of the Volta River. The river is divided into three parts, called the Black Volta, White Volta and Red Volta. Until the end of the 19th century, the history of Upper Volta was dominated by the empire-building Mossi/Mossi Kingdoms, who are believed to have come up to their present location from present-day Northern Ghana. For centuries, the Mossi peasant was both farmer and soldier, and
Republic of Upper Volta dressés" "Promesses d'avenir caressées" Refrain: "Le travail de ton sol brûlant" "Sans fin trempera les cœurs ardents," "Et les vertus de tes enfants" "Le ceindront d'un diadème triomphant." Refrain: "Que Dieu te garde en sa bonté," "Que du bonheur de ton sol aimé," "L'Amour des frères soit la clé," "Honneur, Unité et Liberté." In English: Verse: Proud Volta of my ancestors, Your ardent and glorious sun Takes you with gold and pride O Queen draped with loyalty! Refrain: We will make you stronger and more beautiful To your love we will remain faithful And our hearts vibrant with pride Will