Upper Volta was the former name of the country now known as Burkina Faso. The name Upper Volta came from the fact that the country was located in the upper reaches of the Volta River, which flows along its southern border. However, after gaining independence from France in 1960, the country changed its name to Burkina Faso, which means "land of the honest people" in the local language. Some synonyms for Upper Volta include Burkina Faso, Volta Basin, and Mossi Kingdom. Regardless of the name, this West African country is known for its rich culture, diverse wildlife, and vibrant art scene.