(In detail)

Upper Volta (French Haute-Volta) was the name of the African country now called Burkina Faso until August 4, 1984. The old name indicates that the country contains the upper part of the river Volta. The river is divided into three parts, called the Black Volta, White Volta and Red Volta. The colors of the national flag correspond to the parts of the river.

See also: History of Burkina Faso