Accent placement: VERHNYAYA VOLTA

UPPER VOLTA, Republic Upper Volta (Haute Volta) is a state in West Africa. Until 1958 - the possession of France, in 1958 - 60 - a republic with limited internal autonomy as part of the French. Communities, since Aug. 1960 - independent state. Area - approx. 275 thousand km 2. Population - approx. 4.4 million people. (1962). The capital is Ouagadougou. State. language is French.

Education. The long colonial rule of France had an extremely negative impact on the development of culture and education in the country. Competently only 8% of the population. The school system is modeled on the French. A significant role is played by private schools belonging mainly to religious organizations (Catholic or Protestant). The main part of the schools are five-year early. schools. Beginning School is considered compulsory and free, but it only reaches 6% of school-age children. In 1961 there were 288 beginning. schools (of which 185 are state and 103 are private); number of students - approx. 40.5 thousand people (of which only 11.4 thousand girls), Beginning. 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 same teaching subjects), a two-year intermediate course (history and geography, natural science and manual labor are added to the teaching subjects ), Since the country is in dire need of an increase in the number of literate population, the government developed a plan for the development of education for 1962-67, which provides for the construction of rural beginnings. schools with a shortened, 3-year term of study.

A full course of secondary general education is given by 7-year colleges and lyceums, which have modern and classic. branches; their completion leads to a bachelor's degree. Shortened (4-year-old), so-called. additional courses have only a modern department with agricultural, commercial and other biases (in accordance with local needs). In 1959/60 school. there were only 7 lyceums and colleges (2 state and 5 private). The number of students in secondary schools was approx. 1.4 thousand people

There is a certain number of state. and private prof.-tech. uch. establishments. State apprenticeship centers (3-year) and evening classes for those involved in this profession (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 are preparing junior ped. courses (5-year); age of applicants - 13 - 15 years for boys, 13 - 16 years for girls, Students receive state. scholarship and are required to work for 10 years. Teachers cf. schools, as a rule, French Higher education, no institutions; OK. 100 students study outside the country.

(Haute-Volta) - state in the West. Africa, Republic. Pl. 274.2 thousand km 2. US. St. 4 million hours (1961, estimate). Main population - Mosi and other peoples of the central Bantu group (Lobi, Grus, Gurma, Senufo, etc.). The Fulbe and the peoples of the Mande language family also live here. The supreme body of the legislator. V. V. authorities (according to the constitution of 1960) - Nat. Assembly; the head of state and pr-va is the president. The capital city of Ouagadougou (founded in the 15th century).

On the territory V. V. around the 11th century. formed the first state. education. In 1896-1901 the French the colonialists occupied VV Feod. the rulers of the states in Ouagadougou, Yatenga, Gurma were made completely dependent on the colonial authorities. In 1916, people broke out in VV. uprising against the colonies. domination caused by the massive recruitment of soldiers in the French. army.

How dep. adm. unit in the French Zap. Africa VV existed in 1919-32 and 1947-58. Until 1919 (since 1904) it was part of the colony of Upper Senegal-Niger, and in 1932-47 its territory. was divided between the coast Ivory, Niger and Franz. Sudan.

The long colonial domination of the French. imperialism and the preservation of feudal-patriarchal relations intertwined with the capitalist. forms of exploitation, led to extreme economic. backwardness VV It belongs to the number of the least developed, purely agrarian. countries Zap. Africa. Main occupation of the population - cattle breeding (especially in the northern part) and agriculture. A large number of residents of V. V. go to work in Ghana, Mali, the Ivory Coast, and Dahomey.

After the 2nd World War in VV means. intensified anti-imperialist a movement that could not stop the repressions of the columns. authorities; in 1947, a local section of the Democratic Unification of Africa (now the Voltian Democratic Union) was formed. Franz. The government was forced to change the forms of its domination. After the referendum on 28 Sept. 1958 V.V. received the status of a state-va - a member of the French. Communities. In March 1959, the country's first constitution was adopted. Further rise of the national-liberate. movement forced the French. Prospect to sign on June 11, 1960 an agreement with V. V. on granting her independence. The declaration of independence took place on 5 August. 1960. 30 Nov. In 1960, a new constitution was adopted, which created a presidential regime in the country. Maurice Yameogo, the leader of the ruling party, the Voltian Democratic Union, became President VV. The new state came out of the French. Communities. Having concluded a number of agreements with France (April 1961), which retained important economic powers for the former metropolis. and political positions in the country, VV refused, however, to sign the so-called. joint defense agreement.

In 1961, V.V., together with 11 other former French. colonies joined the African-Malgasian Union, members of which are economically and politically connected with France. V. V. is also a member of the Consent Council (together with the Ivory Coast, Dahomey and Niger), created in May 1959.

At the same time, the production of V. V. maintains ties with some Afr. countries outside the African-Malgasian Union. In June 1961, an agreement was concluded with Ghana on the elimination of customs barriers between Ghana and V.V.

Lit .: Verin V.P., Yesterday and Today of the Upper Volta, M., 1962; Gavrilov N. I., West Africa under the yoke of France (1945-1959), M., 1961; Subbotin V. A., The colonial policy of France in the West. Africa (1880-1900), M., 1959; La Haute Volta. Afrique occidentale française. Gouvernement-general, P., 1931; Dim Delobsom AA, L "empire du Mogho-Naba, P., 1932; Gatelet AL Ch., Histoire de la conquÄte du Soudan française (1878-1899), P. - Nancy, 1901; Cornevin R., Histoire des peuples de l "Afrique noire, P., 1960; Marc L., Les pays Mossi, P., 1909; La Republique Haute-Volta. Notes et études documentaires, 19 ao't 1960, No 2693; Tauxier L., Les noires du Jatenga, P., 1917; his own, Nouvelles notes sur le Mossi et le Gourounsi, P., 1924.

G. A. Nersesov. Moscow.

Upper Volta(French Haute-Volta), the Republic of Upper Volta (Republique de Haute-Volta), a state in West Africa. It borders on the north and northwest. from Mali, to the east with Niger, to the southeast. with Dahomey, in the south with Togo, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Area 274.2 thousand sq. km 2. Population 5.3 million people (1969, estimate). The capital is Ouagadougou. Administratively, the territory of VV is divided into 5 departments.

Political system. VV is a republic. The current constitution was approved in a referendum on June 14, 1970. The head of state is the president, elected by the population for a five-year term on the basis of universal, direct elections. Within 4 years after the entry into force of the constitution, only the highest officer of the army can be elected to the post of president. The President has broad powers: he is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, appoints ministers at the proposal of the prime minister, as well as all senior civil and military officials, has the right to early dissolution of parliament, etc.

Government VV - Council of Ministers. The prime minister is elected by the parliament from among persons nominated by the president. Within 4 years, members of the government must be appointed from the military.

Parliament - the unicameral National Assembly - is elected by the population for 5 years. The right to participate in elections is granted to all citizens who have reached the age of 21. Legislative powers of parliament are limited: it can pass laws only on a certain range of issues.

Organs local government in cities and rural communities - special delegations, whose members are appointed by the government. At the head of each delegation is 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 is made up of: Supreme Court(which also performs the functions of constitutional oversight), the Court of Appeal and the courts of first instance. In 1967 an extraordinary court was established to try cases of subversion and corruption. Courts of customary law remain.

Yu. A. Yudin.

Nature. The relief is a 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; to the southwest countries, the ancient foundation of the African platform is covered with Silurian sandstones. The existing deposits of gold, manganese, copper and uranium ores, limestone, and gypsum have not been sufficiently explored. 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 range from 24-26°C (December or January) to 30-35°C (April or May). Precipitation 500-1000 mm in year. The river network is rare. The largest rivers are the Black and White Volta with a tributary of the Red Volta. In the dry season, all rivers become very shallow or dry up. The soils are red and red-brown; widespread lateritic crust. The vegetation cover is dominated by typical and tall-grass savannahs, there are areas of sparse savannah forests and shrubs. Forests occupy about 9% of the area of ​​the East. Because of predatory extermination, the number of wild animals is declining, but the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and antelope are still found in the savannah. The tsetse fly is widespread in the southern part of the country.

Population. The main part of the population (82%, here and below - 1967 estimate) belongs to the Gur (Central Bantu) language group: Mosi peoples (45% of the total population), Lobi, Mbuin, Ga, Bobo, Grusi, Gurma, Senufo. Separate groups of peoples speak Mande languages (Busa or Bisa, Sanu or Samo, Soninke and Diula) and the languages ​​of the Atlantic family (Fulbe). The northern regions are inhabited by the Songhai (their language forms a separate language family), as well as the Tuareg (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 part of the Mande peoples, as well as the Fulbe, Songhai, Tuareg, 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. for 1 km 2. Most of the population is concentrated in central regions countries where 1 km 2 accounts for 70 to 100 people; eastern and northern regions are sparsely populated - 1-4 people. for 1 km 2. The economic backwardness of the country, the limited areas of fertile land and the seasonality of agricultural - x. jobs force the population to migrate in search of work (according to estimates, 100-450 thousand people per year) to neighboring countries. Significant cities (1966, estimate: thousand inhabitants): Ouagadougou (115 in 1969), Bobo Diulaso (70), Kudugu (28), Wahiguya (10), Kaya (10). The official calendar is the Gregorian (see. Calendar ).

Historical essay. First public entities on the territory of V. V. developed in the 11-14 centuries. The most significant of them are mosi And Yatenga in the central part of the country and Gurma - in the East. In these states, the emerging early feudal relations were intertwined with tribal ones. In 1896, French troops invaded the territory of VV, but they met with stubborn resistance, especially from the Mosi state. Only by 1901 did the French colonialists manage to establish themselves in the country. Local feudal rulers were made completely dependent on the colonial administration. In 1904 the territory of VV was included in the French colony of Upper Senegal-Niger. In 1916, an uprising broke out in VV against colonial rule, provoked 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 - Ivory Coast, Niger and French Sudan. It was only in 1947 that VV was restored to its present-day borders as an "overseas territory" of France.

After World War II, an anti-imperialist movement developed in Great Britain, as in other African countries. The Voltian Section was founded in 1947. African Democratic Rally (RDA), which led, with the support of broad sections of the people, the struggle for liberation. In 1958, the Voltian section of the RDA, which had not long before merged with the Party of Social Education of the African Masses (founded in 1954) and some other political organizations, was named the Voltian Democratic Union (VDU). In the same 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, a Government Council was created in VV, headed by the leader of the Voltian section of the RDA, U. Coulibaly. After the majority of participants in the referendum on September 28, 1958, approved the new French constitution, VV received the status of a state member of the French Community. The country was declared an "autonomous republic". The first national government was formed, headed by the leader of the GDF, M. Yameogo, who in December 1959 also became president of the country.

A further upsurge in the national liberation movement forced the French government to sign an agreement granting V. V. 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, however, concluding a number of agreements with France (April 1961), which retained important economic and political positions in the country for the former metropolis.

September 20, 1960 VV was admitted to the UN. In March 1961, she participated in a conference of 12 French-speaking African countries in Yaoundé and joined the Afro-Malagasy Union founded there (since 1965 - General Afro-Malagasy Organization, since 1970 - General 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 created an economic and political union, which became known as the Council of Concord (Togo joined the Council in 1966).

In the socio-economic sphere, the VV government set a course for the development of private enterprise and the attraction of foreign capital (from France, the USA, the FRG, and other imperialist states) into the country. In an effort to suppress the opposition, the government banned the activities of all political parties, except for the VDS, passed laws in 1963 that expanded 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 army command also came out against the Yameogo government, deposing 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 from 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 the parliament was dissolved. In December 1966, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of V. V. decided to keep 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 that provided 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 seats in the National Assembly (37 out of 57) received the GVA; on February 13, 1971, the leader of the GDF, J.C. Ouedraogo, became prime minister.

Diplomatic relations between VV 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 was signed.

G. A. NERSESOV.

Political parties, trade unions and other public organizations. Voltian Democratic Union (VDU) (Union Dé mocratique Voltaique), founded in 1947. Until 1966, it held a monopoly position in political life VV Enjoys considerable influence among the peasantry. The African Regrouping Party (Parti du regroupement africain) was founded in 1958. It has limited influence in the southwest. country. The Movement for National Liberation (Mouvement pour la Liberation nationale) was founded in 1958. It advocates the achievement of economic independence by Great Britain and the development of relations with the USSR and other socialist countries. The trade union association of the Voltian working people, founded in 1958, is part of the All-African Federation of Trade Unions; maintains links with the WFTU. African Confederation of Working Believers, founded in 1950; is a member of the All-African Union of Faithful Workers. Voltian organization of free trade unions, founded. in 1960; is a member of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. There are also sectoral (non-associated) trade union organizations. Altogether there are over 12,000 trade union members in VV. General Union of Voltian Students.

G. A. Nepsesov.

Economic and geographical essay. VV is an extremely backward agrarian country. The dominant position in the economy is retained by French capital (85% of all investments), in its hands is foreign trade, a large part of industry, and the purchase and sale of a significant part of livestock products. The average annual per capita income is 44 US dollars (one of the last places in Africa). After the declaration of independence, some measures were taken to develop the economy. The industrial development of the country 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.

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. Farming methods are backward, tools - a hoe, a plow. Lack of water, soil erosion, arid climate also hinder the development of agriculture.

The leading role in the economy is played by extensive pasture animal husbandry. The number of cattle in 1967/68 was 2.6 million heads, sheep 1.7 million, goats 2.4 million. Livestock and livestock products are exported to neighboring countries - the Ivory Coast and Ghana. Cultivated land makes up over 9% of the entire territory of the country. Most of them are occupied by food crops (sorghum, millet, corn, rice, peanuts - partially exported), the smaller part - by industrial 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 the area and harvest of the main agricultural crops in the table.) Cassava and sweet potatoes also play a significant role in the nutrition of the indigenous population. In the suburbs of Bobo Diulaso and Ouagadougou - gardening.

River fishing is developed: the fish catch is 3.5 thousand tons. T in year. Round wood is harvested - 3.7 million tons. m 3 (1968).

Industry provides only about 20% of the gross national product. The main industry is the processing of agricultural products. raw materials. Energy base - 2 thermal power plants (Ouagadougou, Bobo-Diulaso) and 1 diesel station in Wahiguya with a total capacity of 14 thousand kWh. kw. Electricity generation 22.8 mln. kWh in 1968. Extraction of manganese ore in Tambao (in the northeast).

Area and collection of major crops

	Area, thous. ha			Fee, thous. T
Corn Cotton

* On average per year. ** Cotton fiber.. 1669

The manufacturing industry is represented by small and medium enterprises. Industrial enterprises concentrated mainly in Ouagadougou and Bobo Diulaso. There are oil mills (production of oil, fats and soap from peanuts and shea kernels) and cotton ginning (factories in Bobo-Diulaso, Ouagadougou, Kudugu) industry, 2 rice-cleaning plants (Bobo-Diulaso, Banfora), 2 meat-packing plants, a sugar refinery (Banfora) , a textile factory (Kudugu), a tannery, a shoe factory (Ouagadougou), bicycle and galvanized iron factories, sawmilling. Handicraft production is developed - carpet products, sisal fiber production, leather processing, etc.

Transport. Length (1966) railway Abidjan - Ouagadougou within W. W. 517 km, highways - about 17 thousand km. km, including 9 thousand km with a hard surface (paved 65 km). Foreign trade relations are carried out along the road from the borders of Mali through Bobo-Diulaso, Ouagadougou, Fadan-Gourma to the Republic of Niger. There are 2 large airfields in the country: in Ouagadougou and in Bobo Diulaso.

International trade. Export of VV in 1967 amounted to 22 million US dollars, import - 36 million. 90% of the export value of VV - agricultural. products (mainly livestock and livestock products - 40-60% of the value of exports); imports are dominated by consumer goods, textiles, clothing, kola nuts, food. The main foreign trade partners (1967): France (45.2% of imports and 13.5% of exports), Ghana (about 2% and 13.6%), Ivory Coast (49.3% of exports). The monetary unit is the African franc. 1 US dollar = 277.71 African francs (July 1970)

N. A. SMIRNOV

Armed forces 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 the valid military service 18 months The total number of armed forces (1970) is about 2 thousand people, including about 1 thousand people. gendarmerie. The ground forces (about 900 men) consist of a separate infantry battalion, reconnaissance squadron, parachute, engineer companies, and service units. The Air Force (about 100 people) is in its infancy and does not have combat aircraft.

Medical and geographical characteristics. In 1969, the birth rate per 1,000 inhabitants was 53, and the death rate, 30.5; infant mortality - 182 per 1000 live births. Life expectancy for men - 32.1, women - 31.1 years. Infectious pathology predominates. More than 75% of children aged 2-9 years are affected by malaria. common intestinal infections, especially amoebiasis (47 cases per 10,000 inhabitants in 1964), and genitourinary schistosomiasis. Annual outbreaks of smallpox and meningococcal meningitis are reported. 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, wuchereriosis, 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 care was 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 business. The main economic losses are caused by trypanosomiasis (85 outbreaks in 1962-68), peripneumonia in cattle (38 outbreaks in 1964; 84 in 1968), and pasteurellosis (255 outbreaks in 1962-68). common infectious diseases s.-x. 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 (vector - tsetse fly). A network of veterinary checkpoints has been set up (on cattle routes), and the fight against plague and peripneumonia in cattle is being carried out.

M. G. Tarshis.

Education. The long 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 independence was declared, the government great attention development of public education. The system of education in VV was formed 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 pupils in kindergartens). Since 1965 primary education has been declared compulsory and free for children aged 6-14. 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. For admission to secondary school, after 6 years of primary school, you must pass entrance exams. Full course of study in high school(lyceum) - 7 years (4 + 3). The first 4 years of study correspond to an incomplete secondary school (college). Vocational training is carried out mainly on the basis of primary school for 1 to 5 years. Primary school teachers prepare pedagogical courses with a 5-year term of study on the basis of the primary school. In the 1967/68 academic year in primary schools about 130 thousand students studied, in rural schools - about 32 thousand students, in secondary schools - more than 10 thousand students, in the system of vocational training - more than 2 thousand students, in pedagogical courses - 1447 people. Higher education youth receives abroad. In Ouagadougou, a society for cultural mutual assistance and a Youth House with a small library have been established.

V. Z. Klepikov,

Printing, broadcasting, television. The following are published in Ouagadougou: the weekly newspaper Carrefour Africain, since 1960, with a circulation of 2,500 copies (1970); daily bulletin Bulletin Quotidien d'Information (Bulletin Quotidien d' Information), circulation 1.2 thousand copies; weekly official bulletin Journal officiel de la Republique de la Volta (Journal officiel de la Republiquede la Haute-Volta"), since 1959. All of these newspapers are controlled by the government.

Radio broadcasting has been conducted in VV since 1959; radio stations in Ouagadougou and Bobo Diulaso; broadcasts are conducted in French and 13 local languages ​​(sea, diula, sad, etc.). A small television studio has been operating in Ouagadougou since 1963. In 1959 a government service, the Voltian Broadcasting and Television, was established.

G. A. NERSESOV.

Folk art. Traditional wooden sculpture associated with the cult of ancestors occupies the main place in the art of the peoples of Eastern Europe, the expressiveness of which is achieved by the emphasized geometrization of volumes and rhythms, and by the sharp juxtaposition of vertical and horizontal planes. Statuettes and masks are sometimes decorated with images of antelope horns or a long vertically reinforced plank with a carved polychrome ornament. Less common are metal figurines depicting ancestors and scenes from the life of the gods. Metal jewelry covered with floral ornaments, amulets-pendants in the form of scaly snakes are common. They also make art products from the skin of snakes, crocodiles (bags, briefcases, belts) and from the skins of animals, decorating them with embossed or traced 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 the 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. Ré cits 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 own, 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.

I have already written a lot (and will continue to write) about what makes my historical homeland related to Africa. But this time, for a change, I would like to talk about how Russia is different from Africa. We will talk about just one difference - but the most important. 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 detractors. This definition is attributed either to Margaret Thatcher or to Helmut Schmidt. I won't be surprised, however, if it turns out that it was invented in our dissident kitchens - it very clearly smells of that racist odor that penetrated the luminous halls of the Russian intelligentsia at the end of the Soviet era. It was assumed (and still is) that the comparison with an African country should offend the Soviet Union (Russia) - and this is possible only from a racist point of view.

But even if the British premier or the West German chancellor really froze such stupidity, then there is little demand from the Britons or Germans - after all, they have centuries-old traditions of dividing people into full-fledged and untermensch. But our Russian intelligentsia, moderately dissident and slowly dissident, tracing their cultural ancestry back to Pushkin and Tolstoy, if not to the Decembrists, Chernyshevsky and Herzen - why did they suddenly become puffed up with a sense of racial usefulness? Or did they decide that since the Soviet ideology is nonsense, then not only is communism impossible, but that the anti-colonial struggle of the peoples of Africa and Asia is also a hoax? And what if capitalism is better than socialism, then racism is better than internationalism?

And now a rotten racist craze has spread across Russian soil, all the more strange and unexpected since 99.99% of our homespun bearers of the burden of whites have not seen a single black in their eyes. When a “Caucasian” American comes in with xenophobic philippics, whose African-American gopnik squeezed out his mobile phone, then he can at least 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. They showed him the film "Circus", they read to him about Maxim, Peps, about Uncle Tom, who is in the hut, and about the Negro Tom, who was not allowed into the class. In order to become a misanthrope after all this - how much vain pride, how much malice do you need to have in your soul?

And here's another thing: hardly any of the Russian racists read the same Gobineau. Their racism is primitive xenophobic, they are not even aware of it, just as a person suffering from schizophrenia is not aware of his illness. They sincerely believed (and still believe) that the comparison with Upper Volta is insulting for Russia. Just as sincerely, the current Svidomites are practicing wit, calling the Novorossiysk republics “Luganda” and “Dombabwe”. In a curious way, they thereby admit that the Donetsk and Luhansk residents are waging an anti-colonial, and therefore a just war.

Thus, even in the flat jokes of Ukrainian unfinished fascists, one can find a grain of truth.

Likewise, there is a simple but clear truth to the comparison between Russia and Burkina Faso. How is Volta with rockets different from Volta without rockets? The fact that a country "without missiles" can be attacked, enslaved, drained of resources and human blood. But if a country has missiles, - a bolt to you, gentlemen, supermen, with a left-hand thread.

We, real Russian people, are not some fucking racists, and it would never occur to us to be ashamed of comparisons with Africa. Like Africa, our country was once a reserve for the extraction of slaves. Like Africa, Russia is a pantry, to the eyeballs packed with gifts of nature, which would be very useful to the white gentlemen. But this is how Russia differs from African countries - in that it managed to become a single centralized state in time, it 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 - it does not work. Yourself is more expensive. Corporal Bowonoparte and Corporal Schicklgruber guarantee this.

How did it happen to us, “who helped us here - the frenzy of the people, Barclay, winter, or the Russian God?” - you can’t say in a nutshell. Therefore, let's just say for now: yes, we are the Upper Volta. With missiles. Keyword: missiles. And my God, how great it is to be the Upper Volta with rockets!

State in western Africa. Territory - 274.2 thousand square meters. km. Population - 6.7 million (1979); nationalities: Mosi (about 50%), Gurunsi, Gurma, Senufo, Fulbe, etc. The capital is Ouagadougou (150 thousand inhabitants). State. language is French. Traditional local cults predominate (76% of the population), Muslims - 19%, Catholics - 5%.

Upper Volta was captured by the 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. An independent state was proclaimed on 5.08. 1960 Before the military coup 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 Jameogo. During his reign, as a result of the abuses and wastefulness of the ruling elite, the country was brought to the brink of an economic disaster. came to power in 1966. military government Sangule Lamizapa 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 Voltian Democratic Union won the majority of seats in parliament. The African Regrouping Party and the National Liberation Movement were also represented in Parliament. In accordance with the constitution adopted on 08/29/1970, during the transitional period (four years), the post of president was assigned to a military person. In 1974, after the general elections, the army was to completely transfer power to civilians. From 1971 to February 1974, the government was headed by the leader of the Voltian Democratic Union, X. Capgo Ouedraogo.

In connection with the aggravation of inter-party struggle 8. II. In 1974, President S. Lamisana 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 policies. On November 27, 1977, a new constitution was adopted by referendum, according to which no more than 3 political parties are allowed to operate in the country.

In June 1979, the National Assembly passed a law, in accordance with the Crimea, the parties that received the largest number of votes in the ZOLU elections of 1978 were officially recognized. The rest of the political parties were dissolved. In March 1980, seats in the National Assembly were distributed among three political organizations: the Belgian Democratic Party, the National Union for the Defense of Democracy, and the Progressive Voltian Front.

Upper Volta is a member of the Concord Council, the Common Afro-Mauritian Organization, the Organization of African Unity, an associate member of the EEC.

Upper Volta is an economically backward agrarian country with preserved remnants of feudal and tribal relations. Its economy is dominated by foreign countries, Ch. arr. French, capital. The main industry of 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). Sorghum, miles, corn are also cultivated for domestic consumption; for export - sesame, shea, etc. In 1970-73, and then in 1978-79. sat down The economy was badly affected by the drought, and it will take several years to restore it.

There are small prom. enterprises, including cotton-cleaning 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 roads - 517 km, automobile roads - 7.7 thousand km, including with a hard surface - 570 km. Two international airports.

Live cattle, cotton, peanuts, etc. are exported, foodstuffs, cement, oil products, textiles, and machinery are imported. Main trading partners: France, Germany, Ivory Coast, Ghana. The deficit in foreign trade is covered by foreign. help.

The 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 working people is one of the lowest in the world. National per capita income - about 40 dollars a year. Part of the active population goes to work in neighboring countries.

Sources:

1. Countries of the world: Brief political economy. reference book.-M.: Politizdat, 1980, 497 p.
2. Small atlas of the world / senior ed. N.M. Terekhov-M.: GUGK, 1980, 147 p.