Explorer

Flag of Eritrea

Africa
3.6M
1995
Flag of Eritrea
ER | 1:2

Symbolism

Green represents the agricultural economy, blue represents the sea (Red Sea), and red represents the blood shed during the struggle for independence. The olive branch and wreath are symbols of peace.

History

Adopted on December 5, 1995. The design is based on the flag used by the EPLF during the war for independence, with the addition of the UN-inspired olive wreath.

Construction

A 1:2 ratio. Three triangles: green (top), blue (bottom), and red (isosceles, pointing to the fly). A gold olive wreath is in the red triangle.

Color Meanings

green: The agricultural and livestock economy
blue: The marine resources (Red Sea)
red: The blood shed during the struggle for freedom
yellow: The olive branch (peace) and wealth

Country Facts

Population
3.6M

0.2% of Africa

Capital
Asmara
Languages
Arabic, English, Tigrinya
Continent
Africa
Subregion
Horn of Africa
Landlocked
No
Borders
Flag of Djibouti DjiboutiFlag of Ethiopia EthiopiaFlag of Sudan Sudan
ISO 3166-1
ER

Flag Identification

Adopted
December 5, 1995
Proportions

1:2

12
Total Colors
4
Key Symbols
Plant

Influences

Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) flag

Related flags

Flag Protocol

  • The gold olive wreath and branch must be centered in the red triangle
  • The red triangle must point toward the fly

Practice

Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.

Start Africa Quiz