National Flag of Sao Tome and Principe

Proportions: 1:2 Sao Tome and Principe Flag Description:
The flag of Sao Tome and Principe consists of three horizontal stripes. The top and bottom are equal-sized green stripes. The middle stripe is yellow with two black, five- pointed stars in it. There is a red horizontal triangle on the left side of the flag facing the middle.

Sao Tome and Principe Flag Meaning:
The flag of Sao Tome and Principe features the pan-African colors of red, yellow and green, which have been adopted by many African ex-colonies and symbolize African independence and unity. It's believed the colors originated from the flag of Ethiopia which is the oldest independent nation in Africa. The red stripes represent the blood spilt in the nation's fight for independence. Green symbolizes the vegetation of Sao Tome and Principe. Yellow represents the sun and the country's cocoa industry which is an important part of the economy. The color of the stars symbolizes the African people; while the stars themselves symbolize Sao Tome and Principe.

Sao Tome and Principe Flag History:
The flag of Sao Tome and Principe was adopted on November 5, 1975 just after gaining independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975. The basic design of the flag originates from the flag of the Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe, a nationalist party which led their campaign for independence in the early 1970s.

Interesting Sao Tome and Principe Flag Facts:
In 1974, just before Sao Tome and Principe gained independence, at least eight other flag proposals under serious consideration for the new flag.