I have already written a lot (and will still write) about what makes my historical homeland akin to Africa. But this time, for a change, I would like to talk about how Russia is not like Africa. It will focus on just one difference - but the most important one. And it will be, oddly enough, not the climate.
"Upper Volta with missiles" (var .: "with atomic weapons") is one of the favorite definitions given to Russia by its ill-wishers. This definition is attributed to either Margaret Thatcher, or Helmut Schmidt. I would not be surprised, however, if it turns out that it was invented in our dissident kitchens - it very clearly gives off that racist smell that penetrated the luminous halls of the Russian intelligentsia at the end of the Soviet era. The implication was (and is still believed to be so) that comparison with an African country should greatly offend the Soviet Union (Russia) - and this is possible only from a racist point of view.
But even if the British prime minister or the West German chancellor really froze such nonsense, there is little demand from the Britons or Germans - after all, they have centuries-old traditions of dividing people into full-fledged and Untermenschs. But now our Russians are moderately frustrating and slowly dissident intellectuals who trace their cultural ancestry to Pushkin and Tolstoy, if not to the Decembrists, Chernyshevsky and Herzen - why did they suddenly begin to swell from a sense of racial usefulness? Or did they decide that since Soviet ideology is nonsense, then not only communism is not possible, but that the anti-colonial struggle of the peoples of Africa and Asia is also a deception? And what if capitalism is better than socialism, then racism is better than internationalism?
And now a rotten racist fad has crept across the Russian land, all the more strange and unexpected because 99.99% of our homespun porters have never seen a single black person in their eyes. When a "Caucasian" American, whose African-American gopnik squeezed his mobile phone, turns out to be xenophobic philippics, then at least he can be humanly understood; but how to understand a Russian racist of the late 20th century? This man went to school, where he was clearly explained what racism is and what nonsense it is. He was shown the film "Circus", he was read about Maksimka, Peps, about Uncle Tom, who was in the hut, and about the Negro woman Tom, who was not allowed into the classroom. To become a man-hater after all this - how much vain pride, how much anger do you need to have in your soul?
And here's another thing: hardly any of the Russian racists have read the same Gobino. Their racism is primitive-xenophobic, they are not even aware of it, just as the person suffering from schizophrenia is not aware of his illness. They sincerely believed (and still believe) that comparison with Upper Volta is offensive for Russia. Equally sincerely, the current Svidomites exercise their wit, calling the Novorossiysk republics "Luganda" and "Dombabwe". In a curious way, they thereby admit that the Donetsk and Luhansk people are waging an anti-colonial and, therefore, just war.
Thus, even in the flat jokes of the Ukrainian unfinished fascists, one can find a grain of truth.
Likewise, comparing Russia to Burkina Faso reveals a simple but clear truth. How is a Volta with missiles different from a Volta without missiles? The fact that a country "without missiles" can be attacked, enslaved, and sucked up resources and human blood. But if the country has missiles, - a bolt for you, gentlemen supermen, with a left-hand thread.
We, real Russian people, are not some freaking racists, and it would never occur to us to be ashamed of comparisons with Africa. Like Africa, our country was once a preserve for the extraction of slaves. Like Africa, Russia is a storeroom, chock-full of gifts of nature, which would be very useful for the white masters. But this is how Russia differs from African countries - in that it managed to become a single centralized state in time, was not late with a modern army, navy, industry, science, technology, and, finally, with missiles. And therefore, to torment Russia the way they tormented and torment the unfortunate black continent is not working. More dear to yourself. Corporal Bowonoparte and Corporal Schicklgruber guarantee this.
How did it happen to us that “who helped us here - the frenzy of the people, Barclay, winter or Russian God?” Cannot be said in a nutshell. Therefore, let's just say for now: yes, we are Upper Volta. With rockets. Keyword: missiles. And my God, what a great thing it is to be Upper Volta with rockets!
State in the western part of Africa. Territory - 274.2 thousand sq. km. Population - 6.7 million (1979); nationalities: Mosi (about 50%), Gurunsi, Gourma, Senufo, Fulbe, etc. The capital is Ouagadougou (150 thousand inhabitants). State language - French. Traditional local cults prevail (76% of the population), Muslims - 19%, Catholics - 5%.
Upper Volta was captured by French colonialists at the end of the 19th century, and was part of the colonial federation of French West Africa. In 1958 it became a republic - a member of the French community. The independent state was proclaimed 5.08. 1960 Before the military coup on 3.1 of 1966, the ruling party was the Belgian Democratic Union, and the president of the republic and head of government was its leader Maurice Yameogo. During his reign, as a result of the abuse and waste of the ruling elite, the country was brought to the brink of economic disaster. The military government of Sangule Lamizapa, which came to power in 1966, took measures to stabilize the economic situation. It dissolved the National Assembly and political parties.
In 1970, the government of S. Lamisana restored a multi-party system and held parliamentary elections (20X11). The Voltaic Democratic Union won the majority of the seats in parliament. The African Regrouping Party and the National Liberation Movement were also represented in parliament. In accordance with the constitution adopted on August 29, 1970, during a transitional period (four years), the presidency was assigned to a military person. In 1974, after a general election, the army was to transfer power completely to civilians. From 1971 to February 1974, the government was headed by the leader of the Voltaic Democratic Union, H. Capgo Ouedraogo.
In connection with the aggravation of the inter-party struggle 8. II. 1974 President S. Lamizana dissolved the National Assembly, suspended the constitution, and a few days later formed and headed a new government composed of military and civilians who supported his policy. On November 27, 1977, by means of a referendum, a new constitution was adopted, in accordance with a cut, no more than 3 political parties are allowed to operate in the country.
In June 1979, the National Assembly passed a law, according to which the parties that received the largest number of votes in the 1978 ZOLU elections were officially recognized. The rest of the political parties were disbanded. In March 1980, the seats in the National Assembly were distributed among three political organizations: the Belgian Democratic Party, the National Union for Democracy and the Progressive Voltaic Front.
Upper Volta is a member of the Consensus Council, the General Afro-Mauritian Organization, the Organization of African Unity, an associate member of the EEC.
Upper Volta is an economically backward agrarian country with surviving remnants of feudal and tribal relations. Its economy is dominated by foreign, ch. arr. French, capital. The main industry is villages. households - animal husbandry. Livestock (1976): cattle - 2.5 million, sheep and goats - 0.6 million.Rice is grown - 32.5 thousand tons (1975/76), peanuts - 90.2 thousand tons ( 1975/76), cotton - 55.2 thousand tons (1976/77). For domestic consumption, sorghum, mi, and corn are also cultivated; for export - sesame, shea, etc. In 1970-73, and then in 1978-79. sat down. the farm has been badly hit by the drought and will take several years to recover.
There are small prom. enterprises, including cotton ginning factories, a soap factory, shoe and textile factories, etc. It is planned to develop a rich deposit of manganese ore and limestone. There are also reserves of vanadium ores, titanium, copper, nickel and bauxite. Electricity production in 1976 - 59.8 million kWh.
Length of rail roads - 517 km, motor roads - 7.7 thousand km, including hard surface - 570 km. Two international airports.
Livestock, cotton, peanuts, etc. are exported, food, cement, oil products, textiles, and machinery are imported. Major trading partners: France, Germany, Ivory Coast, Ghana. The deficit in foreign trade is covered by foreign countries. help.
Upper Volta is included in the franc zone. The monetary unit is the CFA franc. 1 fr. CFA = 0.02 French fr.
The standard of living of workers is one of the lowest in the world. Nat. per capita income - about $ 40 per year. Part of the working population goes to work in neighboring countries.
Sources:
- Countries of the World: A Brief Political Economy. reference book.-M .: Politizdat, 1980, 497 p.
- Small atlas of the world / senior ed. N.M. Terekhov-M .: GUGK, 1980, 147 p.
Upper Volta(French Haute-Volta), Republic of Upper Volta (Republique de Haute-Volta), a state in West Africa. It borders on the north and north-west. from Mali, to the east from Niger, to the south-east. with Dahomey, in the south from Togo, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Area 274.2 thous. km 2. Population 5.3 million. (1969, estimate). The capital is Ouagadougou. Administratively, the territory of V.V. is divided into 5 departments.
Political system. V.V. is a republic. The current constitution was approved by referendum on June 14, 1970. The head of state is the president, who is elected by the population for 5 years on the basis of general, direct elections. Within 4 years after the entry into force of the constitution, only the highest army officer can be elected to the presidency. The president has broad powers: he is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, appoints ministers, as well as all senior civilian and military officials at the suggestion of the prime minister, has the right to early dissolution of parliament, etc.
The government of VV is the Council of Ministers. The prime minister is elected by parliament from among those nominated by the president. Within 4 years, members of the government must be appointed from the military.
Parliament - a unicameral National Assembly - is elected by the population for a term of 5 years. The right to participate in elections is granted to all citizens who have reached the age of 21. The legislative powers of the parliament are limited: it can pass laws only on a certain range of issues.
Local government bodies in cities and rural communities are special delegations whose members are appointed by the government. Each delegation is headed by the commandant of the district or district. In 1965, the so-called Regional Development Organization was created in rural areas, consisting of advisory bodies - general councils and governing councils dealing with issues of economic and social development.
The judicial system consists of: the Supreme Court (which also carries out the functions of constitutional supervision), the Court of Appeal and the courts of first instance. In 1967, an emergency court was established to try cases of subversion and corruption. Customary courts remain.
Yu. A. Yudin.
Nature. Relief - wavy plateau (height 200-500 m), above the surface of which individual mountains rise up to 750 m. Most of the territory is composed of crystalline rocks of the Precambrian age; in the southwest of the country, the ancient foundation of the African Platform is covered by Silurian sandstones. The available deposits of gold, manganese, copper and uranium ores, limestone, gypsum are not explored enough. The climate is equatorial-monsoon, with a pronounced dry season (from November to March), during which a dry hot wind blows - harmatan. Average monthly temperatures are from 24-26 ° С (December or January) to 30-35 ° С (April or May). Precipitation 500-1000 mm in year. The river network is sparse. The largest rivers are the Black and White Volta with the Krasnaya Volta tributary. In the dry season, all rivers become very shallow or dry up. The soils are red and red-brown; the laterite crust is widespread. The vegetation cover is dominated by typical and tall-grass savannas, there are areas of sparse savanna forests and shrubs. Forests occupy about 9% of the area of V.V. Due to predatory extermination, the number of wild animals is decreasing, but in the savannah there are still lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and antelope. The tsetse fly is common in the southern part of the country.
Population. The bulk of the population (82%, here and below - an estimate of 1967) belongs to the Gur (central bantoid) language group: the Mosi peoples (45% of the total population), Lobi, Mbuin, Ha, Bobo, Grusi, Gourma, Senufo. Certain groups of peoples speak mande languages (Busa, or Bissa, Sanu, or Samo, Soninke and Diula) and languages of the Atlantic family (Fulbe). The northern regions are inhabited by Songhai (their language forms a special linguistic family), as well as Tuaregs (the language belongs to the Berber group). Europeans (French) about 4 thousand people. The vast majority of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs. Islam is professed by a part of the Mande peoples, as well as Fulbe, Songhai, Tuaregs, Bobo and others. Christians - about 140 thousand people. (part of mosi, lobi, etc.). The official language is French.
Population growth for the period 1963-69 averaged 2.1% per year. Economically active population (1967) - 2.3 million people, 94% of them are employed in agriculture. The urban population is 14%. There are about 33 thousand workers and employees, including government officials. The average population density is 19 people. by 1 km 2. Most of the population is concentrated in the central regions of the country, where 1 km 2 accounts for 70 to 100 people; the eastern and northern regions are sparsely populated - 1-4 people. by 1 km 2. The economic backwardness of the country, limited areas of fertile land and the seasonality of agriculture. jobs force the population to migrate in search of earnings (according to estimates, 100-450 thousand people per year) to neighboring countries. Significant cities (1966, estimate: thousand inhabitants): Ouagadougou (115 in 1969), Bobo Gyulaso (70), Kudugu (28), Vahiguya (10), Kaya (10). The official calendar is the Gregorian (see. Calendar ).
Historical sketch. The first state formations on the territory of V.V. developed in the 11-14th centuries. The most significant of them are Mosi and Yatenga in the central part of the country and Gourmet in the East. In these states, the early feudal relations that were forming were intertwined with tribal ones. In 1896 French troops invaded Great Britain, but met stubborn resistance, especially from the Mosi state. Only by 1901 did the French colonialists succeed in establishing themselves in the country. Local feudal rulers were made completely dependent on the colonial administration. In 1904 the territory of Great Britain was incorporated into the French colony of Upper Senegal — Niger. In 1916, an uprising broke out in Hungary against colonial rule, caused by the introduction of a system of forced labor and the massive recruitment of soldiers into the French army.
In 1919, V.V. was separated into a separate administrative unit as part of French West Africa, but in 1932 the French authorities divided the territory of VV between the colonies - the Ivory Coast, Niger, and French Sudan. It was only in 1947 that VV was restored within its present-day borders as the "overseas territory" of France.
After World War II, an anti-imperialist movement developed in Hungary, as in other African countries. The Voltaic Section was founded in 1947 African Democratic Rally (RDA), which led, with the support of broad strata of the people, the struggle for liberation. In 1958, the Voltaic section of the RDA, which had recently united with the Party for Social Education of the African Masses (founded in 1954) and some other political organizations, was named the Voltaic Democratic Union (VDU). Also in 1958, the National Liberation Movement and the local section of the African Regrouping Party were created. National trade union associations began to take shape.
With the growth of the national liberation movement, the French colonialists were forced to change the forms of their rule. In February 1958, the Government Council was created in V.V., headed by the leader of the Voltaic section of the RDA, U. Coulibaly. After the approval of the new French constitution by the majority of the participants in the referendum on September 28, 1958, Hungary received the status of a member state of the French Community. The country was declared an "autonomous republic". The first national government was formed, headed by the leader of the VDU M. Yameogo, who in December 1959 also became the country's president.
The further upsurge in the national liberation movement forced the French government to sign an agreement granting Hungary independence (June 11, 1960). The official declaration of independence took place on August 5, 1960; On November 30, a new constitution was adopted. VV withdrew from the French Community, having concluded, however, a number of agreements with France (April 1961), which preserved important economic and political positions in the country for the former metropolis.
On September 20, 1960, V.V. was admitted to the UN. In March 1961, she participated in a conference of 12 French-speaking African countries in Yaoundé and entered the Afro-Malagasy Union founded there (from 1965 - the General Afro-Malagasy Organization, from 1970 - Common Afro-Malagasy-Mauritian Organization ), maintaining close economic and political ties with France and other Western states. As early as 1959, VV, the Ivory Coast, Dahomey, and Niger formed an economic and political union that was named the Council of Consent (Togo joined the Council in 1966).
In the socio-economic sphere, the government of VV set a course for the development of private entrepreneurship and the attraction of foreign capital to the country (from France, the USA, the FRG, and other imperialist states). In an effort to suppress the opposition, the government banned the activities of all political parties except the VDS, passed laws in 1963 expanding the powers of the president, etc. However, all these measures did not achieve their goal. The dissatisfaction of the masses with the policy of the Yameogo government, which led to a decrease in the living standards of the population, resulted in an open speech. On January 3, 1966, at the call of the trade unions, a general strike began. Anti-government demonstrations took place in Ouagadougou and some other cities. The command of the army also opposed the Yameogo government, having removed President Yameogo on January 4. Lieutenant Colonel S. Lamizana became the head of state and government (he held the post of chief of the general staff since 1964; in 1967 he was awarded the rank of brigadier general, in 1970 - divisional general; he held the post of head of government until February 1971). The constitution was suspended, the activities of political parties were temporarily banned, and parliament was dissolved. In December 1966, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of VV made a decision to retain power in the hands of the army for 4 years. In December 1969, restrictions on the activities of political parties were officially lifted. As a result of a referendum held on June 14, 1970, a constitution was approved providing for a gradual transition to a civilian regime and the introduction of the post of prime minister. In accordance with the new constitution, elections were held on December 20, 1970, as a result of which the absolute majority of the seats in the National Assembly (37 out of 57) were won by the VDS; from February 13, 1971, the leader of the VDU, J.C. Ouedraogo, became prime minister.
Diplomatic relations between Hungary and the USSR were established in 1967. In February 1967 an agreement on scientific and cultural cooperation was signed between the two countries, and in March 1968, a trade agreement.
G. A. Nersesov.
Political parties, trade unions and other public organizations. The Voltaic Democratic Union (UDU) (Union Dé mocratique Voltaique) was founded in 1947. Until 1966 it held a monopoly position in the political life of VV. It enjoys significant influence among the peasantry. The Parti du regroupement africain, founded in 1958, enjoys limited influence in the southwest. country. The Movement for National Liberation (Mouvement pour la Liberation nationale), founded in 1958. Supports the achievement of economic independence for Hungary and the development of relations with the USSR and other socialist countries. The trade union association of the Voltaic workers, founded in 1958, is part of the All African Federation of Trade Unions; keeps in touch with the WFTU. The African Confederation of Working People's Believers, founded in 1950; is a member of the All-African Union of Working People's Believers. Voltaic Free Trade Union Organization founded. in 1960; is a member of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. There are also branch (non-associated) trade union organizations. In total, there are more than 12,000 trade union members in VV. General Union of Voltaic Students.
G.A.Nepsesov.
Economic and geographical outline. VV is an extremely backward agrarian country. The dominant position in the economy is retained by French capital (85% of all capital investments), in its hands is foreign trade, most of industry, the purchase and sale of a significant part of livestock products. Average annual per capita income is US $ 44 (one of the lowest in Africa). After the proclamation of independence, some measures were taken to develop the economy. The country's industrial development is hampered by the preservation of pre-capitalist production relations, an acute shortage of capital, skilled labor, raw materials, the small capacity of the domestic market, and the high cost of transportation and electricity costs.
Agriculture provides 67% of the gross national product. It has a primitive semi-natural character. The land belongs to the communities, but a significant part of it is in the hands of the tribal elite. The main type of economy is small-peasant. The farming methods are backward, the tools are a hoe, a plow. Lack of water, soil erosion, and an arid climate also hamper the development of agriculture.
The leading role in the economy is played by extensive grazing. The number of cattle in 1967/68 was 2.6 million heads, 1.7 million sheep, 2.4 million goats. Livestock and livestock products are exported to the neighboring countries of the Ivory Coast and Ghana. Arable land makes up over 9% of the entire territory of the country. Most of them are engaged in food crops (sorghum, millet, corn, rice, peanuts - partially exported), a smaller part - in technical crops (cotton, shea butter tree). Millet and sorghum are sown mainly in the north and in the center of the country, rice mainly in the south, and corn everywhere. (See Table 1 for the area and harvest of the main agricultural crops.) Cassava and sweet potatoes also play a significant role in the nutrition of the indigenous population. In the suburbs of Bobo-Gyulaso and Ouagadougou, there is a vegetable gardening.
River fishing is well developed: fish catch 3.5 thous. T in year. Round timber is harvested - 3.7 mln. m 3 (1968).
Industry provides only about 20% of the gross national product. The main industry is the processing of agricultural products. raw materials. Power base - 2 thermal power plants (Ouagadougou, Bobo-Gyulaso) and 1 diesel station in Vahiguya with a total capacity of 14 thous. kW. Electricity production 22.8 mln. kWh in 1968. Mining of manganese ore in Tambao (northeast).
Area and harvest of major crops
| Area, thous. ha | Sbop, thous. T | ||||||
| Corn Cotton | |||||||
* On average per year. ** Cotton-fiber .. 1669
The manufacturing industry is represented by small and medium-sized enterprises. Industrial enterprises are concentrated mainly in Ouagadougou and Bobo Gyulaso. There are enterprises of the oil mill (production of oil, fats and soaps from peanuts and shea butter) and cotton ginning (factories in Bobo Dyulaso, Ouagadougou, Kudugu), 2 rice refineries (Bobo Dyulaso, Banfora), 2 meat slaughterhouses, a sugar refinery (Banfora) , a textile mill (Kudugou), a tannery, a shoe factory (Ouagadougou), a bicycle and galvanized iron factory, a sawmill. Handicraft production is developed - carpets, sisal fiber production, leather processing, etc.
Transport. Length (1966) of the Abidjan - Ouagadougou railway within the limits of EE 517 km, highways - about 17 thousand. km, including 9 thous. km with hard surface (asphalt 65 km). Foreign trade relations are carried out by road from the borders of Mali through Bobo Gyulaso, Ouagadougou, Fadan Gourma to the Republic of Niger. There are 2 large airfields in the country: in Ouagadougou and in Bobo-Gyulaso.
International trade. VV's exports in 1967 amounted to 22 million US dollars, imports - 36 million. 90% of the value of VV's exports - agricultural. products (mainly livestock and livestock products - 40-60% of the export value); imports are dominated by consumer goods, textiles, clothing, kola nuts, and foodstuffs. The main foreign trade partners (1967): France (45.2% of imports and 13.5% of exports), Ghana (about 2% and 13.6%), the Ivory Coast (49.3% of exports). The monetary unit is the African franc. 1 American dollar = 277.71 African francs (July 1970).
N. A. Smirnov.
Military establishment consist of ground forces, air force and gendarmerie. The commander-in-chief is the president. The direct command of the troops is carried out by the Minister of National Defense and the headquarters of the armed forces. The army is recruited on the basis of the law on universal conscription, the duration of active military service is 18 months. The total strength of the armed forces (1970) is about 2 thousand people, including about 1,000 people. gendarmerie. The ground forces (about 900 people) consist of a separate infantry battalion, reconnaissance squadron, parachute, engineering company and service units. The Air Force (about 100 people) is in its infancy and has no combat aircraft.
Medical and geographical characteristics. In 1969 the birth rate was 53 per 1000 inhabitants, and the death rate was 30.5; infant mortality - 182 per 1000 live births. Life expectancy for men is 32.1 years, for women - 31.1 years. Infectious pathology predominates. More than 75% of children aged 2-9 years are affected by malaria. Intestinal infections are widespread, especially amoebiasis (47 cases per 10,000 inhabitants in 1964) and genitourinary schistosomiasis. Outbreaks of smallpox and meningococcal meningitis are reported annually. The death rate from measles reaches 4%. The number of patients with leprosy was 142 thousand (1965), onchocerciasis - 280 thousand (1967), trachoma - 700 thousand (1964). As a result of the measures taken, the incidence of sleeping sickness decreased to 0.009% (1965). The most intense foci of schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, wuchereriasis, sleeping sickness and natural foci of yellow fever are located in the southern regions.
In 1967 there were 2 general hospitals with 1,100 beds. The total number of beds was 2.6 thousand (0.5 beds per 1000 inhabitants). Outpatient services were provided in 2 outpatient departments of hospitals, 23 health centers and 221 dispensaries. In 1967 there were about 70 doctors (1 doctor per 76,000 inhabitants), over 100 midwives and nurses. In 1962, a school for the training of nurses was established in Ouagadougou.
A.E.Belyaev, T.A.Kobakhidze.
Veterinary medicine. The main economic damage is caused by trypanosomiasis (85 outbreaks in 1962–68), cattle peripneumonia (38 outbreaks in 1964; 84 in 1968), and pasteurellosis (255 outbreaks in 1962–68). Agricultural infectious diseases are widespread. animals (anthrax, emphysematous carbuncle and foot and mouth disease). Desertified and typical savannahs are characterized by pasteurellosis, peripneumonia, rinderpest, rabies, and helminthiases; for tall-grass savannas - trypanosomiasis (carrier - tsetse fly). A network of veterinary control points has been organized (on cattle driving routes), and the fight against plague and peripneumonia of cattle is being conducted.
M. G. Tarshis.
Education. The long-term colonial rule of France had a negative impact on the state of culture and education in the country. In 1962, 98% of the population was illiterate. After the proclamation of independence, the government pays great attention to the development of public education. The educational system in VV developed under the influence of the French. Teaching in educational institutions is conducted in French. The network of preschool institutions is still insignificant (in 1965 there were only 1,100 children in kindergartens). Since 1965, primary education has been declared compulsory and free for children aged 6-14 years. The term of study in primary school is 6 years (2-year preparatory, elementary and secondary courses). There are also 3-year rural schools that do not provide a complete primary education. To enter secondary school, you must pass entrance exams after 6 years of elementary school. Full course of study in secondary school (lyceum) - 7 years (4 + 3). The first 4 years of study correspond to a junior high school (college). Vocational training is carried out mainly on the basis of primary school for 1 to 5 years. Primary school teachers are preparing pedagogical courses with a 5-year term of study on the basis of the primary school. In the 1967/68 academic year, about 130,000 students were enrolled in primary schools, about 32,000 students in rural schools, over 10,000 students in secondary schools, over 2,000 students in vocational training, pedagogical courses - 1447 people. Young people receive higher education abroad. In Ouagadougou, a society for mutual cultural assistance, a Youth House with a small library have been created.
V.Z.Klepikov,
Printing, broadcasting, television... In Ouagadougou there are: the weekly newspaper Carrefour Africain, since 1960, with a circulation of 2,500 copies (1970); the daily Bulletin Quotidien d 'Information, circulation 1,200 copies; the official weekly Journal officiel de la Republiquede la Haute-Volta "), since 1959. All these newspapers are controlled by the government.
Radio broadcasting has been conducted in V.V. since 1959; radio stations in Ouagadougou and Bobo Gyulaso; broadcasts are conducted in French and 13 local languages (sea, diula, gruci, etc.). Since 1963 a small television studio has been operating in Ouagadougou. In 1959, a government service was created - the Voltaic Radio and Television.
G. A. Nersesov.
Folk art. In the work of the peoples of V.V., the main place is occupied by traditional wooden sculpture associated with the cult of ancestors, the expressiveness of which is achieved by an emphasized geometrization of volumes and rhythms, a sharp juxtaposition of vertical and horizontal planes. Figurines and masks are sometimes decorated with images of antelope horns or a long, vertically reinforced plank with carved polychrome ornamentation. Less common are metal figurines depicting ancestors and scenes from the life of the gods. Metal ornaments covered with floral ornaments and amulets-pendants in the form of scaly snakes are widespread. They also make art products from the skin of snakes, crocodiles (bags, briefcases, belts) and animal skins, decorating them with embossed or drawn ornaments. The walls of dwellings (round or rectangular in plan, with conical or flat roofs) are sometimes decorated with paintings or ceramic bas-reliefs.
Lit .: Verin V., Yesterday and Today of Upper Volta, M., 1962; Dim Delobsom AA, L "Empire du Mogho-Naba, P., 1932; Gé rardin B., Le dé veloppement de la Haute-Volta, P., 1963; Hammond PB, Jatenga. Technology in the culture of a West African Kingdom , NY - L.,; Guilhem M., Toe S., Haute-Volta. Récits historiques, P., 1964; Haute-Volta. "Afrique", P., 1966, avr., No. 2, p. 1 -56; Kabore (Gomkoudougou V.), Organization politique traditionnelle et evolution politique des Mossi de Ouagadougou, P., 1966; Skinner EP, The Mossi of the Upper Volta. The political development of a Sudanese people, Stanford, 1964 (bibl. ); Tauxier L., Le Noir du Jatenga, P., 1917; his, Nouvelles notes sur le Mossi et le Gourounsi, P., 1924; Pedier FI, West Africa,, L., 1959; La Ré publique de Haute -Volta, "Notes et é tudes documentaires", 1960, no. 2693; Paulme D., Les sculptures de l "Afrique noire, P., 1956; EIisofon E., The sculpture of Africa, N. Y., 1958.
Stress Arrangement: UPPER VOLTA
UPPER VOLT, Upper Volta Republic(Haute Volta), - a state in West Africa. Until 1958 - the possession of France, in 1958 - 60 - a republic with limited internal autonomy within the French. Communities, from Aug. 1960 - an independent state. Area - approx. 275 thousand km 2. Population - approx, 4.4 million people. (1962). The capital is Ouagadougou. State language - French.
Education. The long-term colonial rule of France had an extremely negative effect on the development of culture and education in the country. Only 8% of the population is literate. The school system is modeled on the French one. Private schools, which are mainly owned by religious organizations (Catholic or Protestant), play a significant role. The bulk of schools are five-year beginnings. schools. Beginning School is considered compulsory and free, but it covers only 6% of school-age children. In 1961, there were 288 early. schools (of which 185 are public and 103 are private); number of students - approx. 40.5 thousand people (of which only 11.4 thousand girls), Early. the school includes a one-year preparatory course (teaching subjects: reading, writing, French, arithmetic, singing, drawing, physical education, morality), a two-year elementary course (the teaching subjects are the same), a two-year secondary course (history and geography are added to the subjects of teaching , natural science and manual labor), since the country is in dire need of increasing the number of literate population, the government has developed a plan for the development of education for 1962 - 67, which provides for the construction of rural beginnings. schools with a shorter, 3-year term of study.
A full course of secondary general education is given by 7-year colleges and lyceums, which have modern and classical ones. branches; their completion leads to a bachelor's degree. Shortened (4-year-olds), so-called. additional courses have only a modern branch with agricultural, commercial and other biases (in accordance with local needs). In 1959/60 academic year There were only 7 lyceums and colleges (2 state and 5 private). The number of secondary school students was approx. 1.4 thousand people
There is a certain amount of state. and private prof.-technical. uch. institutions. Public apprenticeship centers (3-year) and evening classes for trainees (stenographers, auto mechanics, etc.); the total number of students in them - approx. 500 people Private - home economics schools (4-year) for girls, industrial training schools for boys. schools prepare junior ped. courses (5-year); the age of applicants is 13 - 15 years for boys, 13 - 16 years for girls, students receive state. scholarship and must work for 10 years. Teachers cf. schools, usually French. Higher education, no institutions; OK. 100 students are studying outside the country.
Details Category: West African Countries Published 03/31/2015 17:56 Views: 1927"Upper Volta" - this was the name of the state until 1984.
The name of the country "Burkina Faso" is translated from the local language Moore as "home of honest people" or "country of worthy people."
Burkina Faso shares landlocked borders with Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.
State symbols
Flag- is a three-color rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 2: 3. The upper stripe is red, the lower one is green, in the center is a yellow-gold 5-pointed star.
The red color symbolizes the blood of the victims of the Burkinian people shed for the revolution. Green - agricultural wealth of the people, prosperity. The yellow-gold star symbolizes the ideological leadership of the people's democratic revolution in its development. The flag was approved on August 4, 1984.
Coat of arms- a shield in the colors of the national flag. Above the shield is the name of the country, below it is the national motto in French: "Unity, Progress, Justice." Two white horses are holding a shield. This coat of arms is similar to the old coat of arms of Upper Volta only with the flag of Burkina Faso on the shield instead of the flag of Upper Volta. The coat of arms was approved in 1997.
State structure
Form of government- republic.
Head of state- President, elected by universal suffrage.
Acting President since 2014 Michelle Kafando
Head of the government- Prime Minister, appointed by the President.
Capital- Ouagadougou.
Largest cities- Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso.
Official language- French.
Territory- 273 187 km².
Administrative division- 13 regions, 45 provinces and 301 departments.
Population- 17 692 391 people The indigenous population of Burkina Faso belongs to two main ethnic groups: Gur and Mande. The urban population is 20%. Average life expectancy: men 51 years, women 55 years.
Religion- more than 20% of the population are Christians (mainly Catholics). More than 60% are Muslims, the rest are adherents of local traditional beliefs.
Currency- CFA franc.
Economy Is one of the poorest countries in the world. 90% of the employees are engaged in subsistence agriculture, which suffers from frequent droughts.
The main export crop is cotton. About half of the population lives below the poverty line.
Agriculture: cotton plant, peanut, oil tree, sorghum, millet, corn, rice; sheep and goats are raised.
Industry: processing of cotton, production of drinks, processing of agricultural products, production of soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold mining.Export: cotton, livestock, gold, meat, hides.Import: industrial goods, food, oil products. Natural resources: deposits of manganese ores, gold, phosphorites, copper, nickel, titanium ores.
Primary school in Gando
Education- literacy of men 29%, women 15%. Education in Burkina Faso is one of the lowest in Africa. Primary and secondary education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. Education is free by law, but the government does not have sufficient funds to do so. Students have to pay tuition fees, and communities are often responsible for constructing school buildings and housing for teachers. Approximately 70% of children who enter primary school reach grade 5. The country has an acute shortage of teachers and material resources. The capital has the Ouagadougou International School for foreigners.
Higher education: 2 main universities: Bobo-Dioulasso Polytechnic University, specializing in a complex of applied sciences, including agricultural, and the University of Ouagadougou. The first private higher education institution was opened in 1992.
Sport- the annual international cycling race Tour du Faso (the African analogue of the Tour de France) takes place on the territory of the country. Football is popular.
Burkina Faso has taken part in 7 Summer Olympics (boxing, judo, athletics, swimming and fencing). The country did not participate in the Winter Olympics. Burkina Faso's athletes have never won an Olympic medal.
Military establishment- are completed on a voluntary basis. They consist of paramilitary formations (including the gendarmerie), a security company, the people's militia, an airborne regiment, a tank battalion, an artillery battalion, an engineer battalion, and an air force.
Nature
Savannah prevails on the territory of the country, including tall grass; in some places - areas of sparse savanna forests and bushes. Forests cover about 9% of the country's territory.
In total, Burkina Faso has about 20 rivers; the most significant of them are Black Volta and White Volta. In the dry season, all rivers become very shallow or dry up.
White Volta
Climate subequatorial.
There are lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes. But the number of wild animals is constantly decreasing.
There are many birds and reptiles.
On the swampy banks of the rivers, hippos, crocodiles, and water turtles are found. There are many termite mounds in the savannah.
On the border with Benin and Niger, there is the W National Park (Dubl-V), reserves.
National Park W (Dubl-V)
It is the first transboundary biosphere reserve in Africa. It is located in the territory of Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso along the Niger River, which in this place has a characteristic bend in the shape of the letter W.
The total area is 31,223.13 km². More than 350 bird species are observed in the park, including birds that migrate within the continent, and birds arriving from Eurasia.
A large number of archaeological artifacts have been found here.
Arly national park
Arlie River
Arly National Park is located in the southeast of Burkina Faso. To the west, Arly is bordered by another Burkinan nature reserve - the Partiel de Pama Reserve. Area 760 km²; it is located at an altitude of 100 to 500 meters above sea level.
Arly Park is home to numerous species of African fauna: elephants (at least 200), lions (at least 100), leopards, buffaloes, hippos (at least 200), crocodiles, warthogs, pythons, Nile monitor lizards, varieties of monkeys and antelopes.
Nile Monitor
Arly's typical natural landscape is savannah, ranging from grassy to forested. There are also riparian forests that have practically disappeared on the territory of Burkina Faso.
Reserve Partiel de Pama Reserve
Founded in 1955, it is located in the southeast of Burkina Faso. Covers an area of 2237 km². Populations of elephants, hippos, lions, and leopards are preserved in the de Pama reserve. The natural landscape is savanna with lush vegetation. There are more than 450 plant species in the reserve (mainly the families of cereals and legumes). A number of species are included in the Red Book.
Airlie Shingu ecosystem
Protected natural area. Home to the largest lion population in West Africa (approximately 400). Lions make up the majority of the animal population here, but there is also the largest population of antelopes in the region.
The culture
Typical national dwelling
In the south of Burkina Faso, there is a small village called Tiebele. Its inhabitants build their buildings entirely from local materials: land, forests and straw, and then decorate.
Burkina Faso is one of the leading African countries in the field of cinematography.Idrissa Ouedraogobecame the only African director to receive the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival (film "Law" (1990).
Idrissa Ouedraogo
Every odd year, the country hosts the African Film and Television Festival in Ouagadougou.
Literature Burkina Faso is based on oral folk art. The oral tradition continues to have a strong influence on Burkinian authors. The most famous writers are Nazi Boni(author of the first Burkina novel "The Twilight of Ancient Times") and Roger Nikyema... Since the 1980s. Among Burkinian authors, women appear: Pierrette Sandra Canzier, Bernardette Dao, Angel Bassole Ouedraogo, Gaelle Kone and others.
Contemporary Burkinian sculptor - Jean-Luc Bambara.
Manega Museum
National Museum of Burkina Faso in the city of Urgu Manega. Founded by Burkini writer, lawyer and human rights activist Titled by Frederic Pasere.
The collection of the museum consists of collections of African musical instruments, national clothes, traditional African masks of various peoples inhabiting Burkina Faso. The collection includes ceramics (terracotta) and jewelry from the 2nd century; household and cultural items. Sculptures by local artists are installed around the exhibition pavilions; Nearby, residential and household buildings of the Mosi, Bobo and Senufo peoples are open for viewing and visiting.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Burkina Faso
Ruins of Loropeni
The ruins of an ancient city in the southern part of Burkina Faso. It is a well-preserved example of a fortified settlement in West Africa. The area of the protected area is 11,130 m2, the area surrounding the ruins of the buffer zone, consisting of forests and agricultural fields, is another 278 hectares. The original purpose of these ruins is not entirely clear: according to one version, these are the ruins of the palace of the local ruler Kaan Iya, according to the other - a place for keeping slaves. Researchers will attribute Loropeni to a special type of "gold trading" settlements.
Other sights of Burkina Faso
Lake Tengrela
This lake attracts tourists with its hippos.
The surface of the lake is covered with numerous species of floating plants (water lilies, marsh flowers, chilim).
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Ouagadougou)
Catholic Church in the city of Ouagadougou. It is the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ouagadougou. One of the largest Catholic cathedrals in West Africa.
It was built in 1936. The architecture of the temple resembles the European Romanesque style with elements of West African architecture. The shape of the basilica resembles a castle. Two towers of different levels are noteworthy.
Ouagadougou
Capital of Burkina Faso. Administrative, economic, transport and cultural center of the country. Population over 1 181 702 inhabitants.
There are food and textile industries, an international airport and a railway station in the city. Cultural life: cinemas, nightclubs, French and American cultural centers.
Memorial
The city's attractions: Burkina Faso National Museum, Moro Naba Palace, National Museum of Music and several establishments selling traditional crafts.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Dream in Bobo Dioulasso
The second largest city in the country. Lies at the intersection of trade routes with Mali and Cote d'Ivoire. It is the largest industrial and commercial center in western Burkina Faso. It produces electrical appliances, textiles, food products, drinks, tobacco, etc. The city has an international airport and university. the message links him to Ouagadougou and Abidjan.
Railway station
History
French colonization of the lands on which the modern state of Burkina Faso is located began at the end of the 19th century. In 1897 it was a protectorate of France. From 1904 to 1919, Upper Volta was part of the French colony Upper Senegal - Niger, and then was separated into a separate colony. In 1947 the colony of Upper Volta was restored. The "African Democratic Unification" (ADO) was gaining strength, led by Coulibaly first, then Maurice Yameogo.
From 1947 to 1958, the French Upper Volta was considered an overseas territory of France, then the autonomous Republic of Upper Volta was formed as part of the French community. Yameogo became the president of the republic in December 1959, he banned all political parties except his own.
Independence
5 August 1960 Yameogo proclaimed the independence of the Upper Volta state and became its president.
In 1966, as a result of a nationwide strike, Yameogo was overthrown. Power passed to the military, led by a lieutenant colonel Sangule Lamizanoi, who in 1970 was elected president of the country by universal suffrage.
S. Lamizana
In 1974, on the eve of the next elections, disagreements intensified among the leadership of the ruling party, and Lamizana usurped power. In 1977, Lamisana returned the country to civilian rule. In November 1980, a military regime was again established in Upper Volta, headed by Colonel Saye Zerbo, who was ousted in 1982 as a result of another military coup. Major came to power Jean Baptiste Ouedraogo.
In 1983, a military coup took place again, the main state became Sankara, he renamed the country Burkina Faso, proclaimed a course for a social revolution. Outwardly, he tried to "get closer to the people", for which he was nicknamed "African Che Guevara".
But on October 15, 1987, Sankara was killed in a coup by his closest associate. Blaise Compaore... In 1997, the restrictions on the number of presidential re-elections were lifted, which gave Compaore the right to hold this post practically for life.
Compaore was in power for 27 years, and to prevent him from again claiming the post, a coup was organized in the country on October 30, 2014. The military came to power. A curfew was imposed in the country. The government was dismissed and parliament was dissolved. The interim governing body of the country must restore constitutional order.
