Burkina Faso Burkina Faso Burkina Faso (, ; ) is a landlocked country in West Africa. It covers an area of around and is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north; Niger to the east; Benin to the southeast; Togo and Ghana to the south; and Ivory Coast to the southwest. 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. Its
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