Symbolism
Blue represents the sky and rain, white represents peace, and green represents the prosperity of the land. The 'mokorotlo' is a traditional Basotho straw hat, a national symbol.
History
Adopted on October 4, 2006, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of independence. It replaced a previous flag that was associated with military rule.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A horizontal tricolor of blue, white, and green with a black mokorotlo centered.
Color Meanings
blue: The sky and the life-giving rain
white: Peace and purity
green: The prosperity and fertility of the land
black: The Basotho people and the Mokorotlo hat
Country Facts
- Population
- 2.1M
0.1% of Africa
- Capital
- Maseru
- Languages
- English, Sotho
- Continent
- Africa
- Subregion
- Southern Africa
- Landlocked
- Yes
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- LS
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- October 4, 2006
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Emblem
Influences
Traditional Basotho straw hat (Mokorotlo)
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The black mokorotlo hat must be centered in the white band
- Horizontal bands must be of equal height
Practice
Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.