Symbolism
The light blue represents water (specifically rain, 'pula', which is vital for the arid country). Black and white represent racial harmony and the national animal, the zebra.
History
Adopted on September 30, 1966, the day of independence. Botswana uniquely chose its own design rather than using Pan-African colors to emphasize its commitment to racial equality and neutral identity.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A light blue field with a black horizontal band in the center, bordered by two narrow white stripes.
Color Meanings
blue: Water, rain (Pula), and the sky
black: Racial harmony and the black stripes of the zebra
white: Peace and the white stripes of the zebra
Country Facts
- Population
- 2.4M
0.2% of Africa
- Capital
- Gaborone
- Languages
- English, Tswana
- Continent
- Africa
- Subregion
- Southern Africa
- Landlocked
- Yes
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- BW
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- September 30, 1966
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
Influences
Unity and the importance of water (Pula)
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The black band must be centered and bordered by white stripes
- The light blue field must surround the central bands
Practice
Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.