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Burkina Faso

Stamps issued: 1984-PRESENT

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70-franc Traditional Houses Mossi single

A landlocked republic in the Savannah region of West Africa, formerly the French colony of Upper Volta, bounded by the states of Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Following a 1983 coup d'etat, Upper Volta's name was changed to Burkina Faso on Aug. 4, 1984. The name is a transliteration of indigenous words meaning "country of incorruptible men." The first stamps bearing the new name were in an airmail set issued on May 23, 1984.

Narrative by Linn's Stamp News

Precedent Countries:


UPPER VOLTA
Stamps issued: 1958-1984

For period 1933-1958 see French Sudan, Ivory Coast, and Niger

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25-franc Great Waterfall of Banfora single

A republic in West Africa, north of Ghana. A French colony from 1919-32, Upper Volta was subsequently divided between the French Sudan, Ivory Coast and Niger. In 1947, it was reconstituted within French West Africa, and in 1958, was established as a republic within the French community. In 1960, Upper Volta became independent. In 1984 it was renamed Burkina Faso.

Narrative by Linn's Stamp News

 

FRENCH COLONY OF UPPER VOLTA
Stamps issued: 1920-1933

Prior to 1919 see Upper Senegal and Niger

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20-franc Hausa Warrior single

An area in West Africa, north of Ghana. A French colony from 1919-32, Upper Volta was subsequently divided between the French Sudan, Ivory Coast, and Niger.

Narrative by Linn's Stamp News

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