Upper Volta: French colonial territory (1919–1960) and transition to Burkina Faso

Upper Volta was a colonial territory administered by France. It existed in two distinct periods: first from 1919 until 1932, and again from 1947 through 1958.

Transition to self-government

In 1958 the territory was reorganized as a republic. After this change it remained associated with the former colonial power as part of the French Community until 1960.

In 1960 Upper Volta attained full independence from France. Later, in 1984, the country adopted a new name and has since been known as Burkina Faso.