1960    Independence of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger.

1960    Burkina Faso, then known as Upper Volta, becomes independent from France.

1966    A military coup takes place in Upper Volta (later Burkina Faso), dissolving the National Parliament and leading to a new national constitution.

1974    Military coup in Upper Volta.

1984    The Republic of Upper Volta changes its name to Burkina Faso.