Symbolism
Green represents hope and revival, yellow represents the country's wealth and palm groves, and red represents the courage of ancestors.
History
Adopted in 1959. It was replaced by a different flag during the Marxist-Leninist period (1975–1990) but was restored on August 1, 1990, after the country's return to democracy.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A green vertical band on the hoist and two horizontal bands of yellow and red on the fly.
Color Meanings
green: Hope and revival for the nation
yellow: The country's wealth and palm groves
red: The courage and sacrifice of ancestors
Country Facts
- Population
- 13.2M
0.9% of Africa
- Capital
- Porto-Novo
- Languages
- French
- Continent
- Africa
- Subregion
- West Africa
- Landlocked
- No
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- BJ
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- August 1, 1960
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
Influences
Pan-African movement and colors
Flags with resemblance
Visually close designs. Compare colors and emblems, or try similarities mode.
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The vertical green band must be at the hoist
- The yellow and red bands must be horizontal on the fly side
Practice
Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.