The nation attained independence as the Republic of Upper Volta (Haute Volta) in 1960, and at the time, a black, white, and red horizontally divided flag was used. Then, when the nation's name changed to Burkina Faso in 1984 alongside the change in administration, changes were made in the national flag, which is also they symbol of the nation. Red represents independence and blood shed by the citizens for revolution, green, the ripe agricultural produce, and the star, hopeful future. The yellow color of the star also represents gold and other mineral resources.