Flag of Burkina Faso of black, white, and red. These colours represented the three major tributaries of the Volta River, which flows south through the country: the Black Volta, the White Volta and the Red Volta. It is similar to the tricolor flag used by the German Empire from 1871 to 1918. The flag was changed when Upper Volta became Burkina Faso on 4 August 1984. From 1984 until 1997, the official Burkina Faso coat of arms used a revolutionary central crest featuring a mattock crossed with a Soviet AK-47 assault rifle, along with an open book symbolising the importance of education and the
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