Which country is called the 'Land of the Upright Men?'

While in most cases the names of countries echo colonial pasts or ancient geographical features, Burkina Faso stands out in a vastly different way. Often nicknamed ‘Land of Upright Men’, this West African nation chose a name that speaks to values rather than geographical or colonial features.

Far from being a poetic attempt at branding, this translates literally to the official name of the nation, which represents strength through virtue.Did you know that until 1984, the country was actually known as Upper Volta? This is a result of French colonialism and is actually named after a river system known as the Volta River.Like many post-colonial African states, the name had little connection to indigenous identity or national aspirations.

That changed in August 1984 under the leadership of Thomas Sankara, a revolutionary president who sought to reshape the country’s political, social and cultural foundations. As part of a wider programme aimed at rejecting colonial legacies and restoring national pride, Sankara renamed the country Burkina Faso.The new name was carefully constructed from two major local languages. “Burkina”, from the Mossi language Moré, means “upright,” “honest,” or “people of integrity.”

“Faso,” from the Dioula language, means “father’s house” or “homeland.” Together, the phrase translates to “Land of the Upright Men” or more broadly, “the homeland of honest and dignified people.”This was not merely a symbolic gesture. Sankara intended the name to reflect the kind of society he hoped to build, one based on justice, self-respect, discipline and moral responsibility.

Unlike many country names that describe rivers, tribes or terrain, Burkina Faso’s name is unusual because it defines a moral ideal.

The concept of the “upright man” in Burkinabè culture implies more than personal honesty. It reflects courage, loyalty to the community, resistance to injustice, and pride in one’s heritage.Even the demonym, "Burkinabè," was coined in line with this vision. It draws inspiration from various regional languages and symbolises unity in diversity, since the country has so many ethnic groups.

Thomas Sankara and the spirit behind the name

The man most closely associated with this transformation, Thomas Sankara, remains one of Africa’s most admired political figures.

Often called the “African Che Guevara,” Sankara came to power in 1983 and launched sweeping reforms focused on anti-corruption, women’s rights, education, environmental protection and economic self-reliance.For tourists, historians, and curious readers alike, the name offers an entry into understanding one of the most distinctive countries in West Africa. It tells a story not only of political change but of a people determined to define themselves on their own terms.

Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso: Cultural gateways

Many trips depart from the capital, Ouagadougou, a vibrant city famous for its music, artisan markets, and the FESPACO Pan-African Film Festival, a major event on the African cultural calendar that showcases top African actors, films, and short films. This is where the dreams of the country are captured through art, a vibrant African identity, and a unique African spirit. Bobo-Dioulasso provides a more peaceful atmosphere, a traditional setting that is farther west.

The mud hut Grande Mosque, the traditional neighborhoods, and the mask dances will give the visitor a glimpse of the country’s religious activities, where prestige is still intertwined with tradition.In Burkina Faso, masking traditions and ceremonies emphasize the importance of unity, courage, and morality. For example, the Bobo and Bwaba tribes’ mask dance, known simply as ‘masking,’ represents more than just performance art; instead, it embodies the ethnic group’s wise precepts.Storytelling, drumming and initiation ceremonies often emphasise responsibility to family and community, the very ideals behind the phrase “upright men.”For culturally curious travellers, attending such events offers more than spectacle; it becomes a lesson in how national identity is preserved through tradition.

Beyond cities: Villages, crafts and daily Llfe

Rural Burkina Faso provides some of the most rewarding travel experiences. In villages in the Sahel region and in the southwest, visitors are welcomed into homes made of mud and straw, where the agricultural cycle is still present in everyday life.

Skilled craftsmen there fashion elaborate bronze statues in the ancient lost wax method, in addition to fabrics and leathers.The country nicknamed the “Land of the Upright Men,” though with much more meaning, is known as the Republic of Burkina Faso. It came into existence as the culmination of a revolution in 1984. Incorporating the idea of being a country with honest citizens, the name itself signifies the purity of the nation’s intentions.