Symbolism
The 11 stripes represent the 11 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Red and white represent courage and moral excellence. The white star represents the first independent republic in Africa, and the blue square represents the African continent.
History
Adopted on July 26, 1847. The design is modeled after the US flag, reflecting Liberia's origins as a nation founded by formerly enslaved people from America.
Construction
A 10:19 ratio. 11 alternating red and white horizontal stripes with a blue canton containing a white star.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Population
- 5.2M
0.3% of Africa
- Capital
- Monrovia
- Languages
- English
- Continent
- Africa
- Subregion
- West Africa
- Landlocked
- No
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- LR
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- July 26, 1847
- Proportions
10:19 (≈1.900)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Canton, Emblem, Stars
Influences
Lookalike Comparison
Side-by-side analysis of high-confusion flags, comparing exact color shades, proportions, and historical divergence.
Direct Lookalike Comparison
Quick Tell
Liberia has one star and 11 stripes; the United States has 50 stars and 13 stripes.
Historical Divergence
Liberia modeled the 1847 flag on the United States flag and changed the star and stripe counts.
Flags with resemblance
Both use stripes and a blue canton at 10:19. The United States has 50 stars and 13 stripes; Liberia has one star and 11 stripes.
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The white star must be centered in the blue square canton
- Alternating red and white stripes must be uniform in width
Practice
Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.