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 Commissioner: From 1971 to 1987, the Republic of Upper Volta was reigned by Prime Minister: The three colors of the national flag of Upper Volta come from the fact that the Volta has three parts: In French: Verse 1: "Fière Volta de mes aieux," "Ton soleil ardent et glorieux" "Te revêt d'or et de fierté" "Ô Reine drapée de loyauté !" Refrain: "Nous te ferons et plus forte, et plus belle" "À ton amour nous resterons fidèles" "Et nos cœurs vibrant de fierté" "Acclameront ta beauté" "Vers l'horizon lève les yeux" "Frémis aux accents tumultueux" "De tes fiers enfants tous