Symbolism
Black represents the African people, red represents the blood shed for independence, and green represents the natural wealth. The rising sun (kwacha) represents the dawn of freedom.
History
Adopted on July 6, 1964. It was briefly replaced in 2010 but restored in 2012 following widespread public preference for the original design and its historical meaning.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A horizontal tricolor of black, red, and green with a red rising sun centered on the black band.
Color Meanings
black: The indigenous people of the continent
red: The blood shed during the struggle for freedom
green: The natural wealth and lush vegetation of the land
Country Facts
- Population
- 20.7M
1.3% of Africa
- Capital
- Lilongwe
- Languages
- English, Chewa
- Continent
- Africa
- Subregion
- Central Africa
- Landlocked
- Yes
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- MW
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- July 6, 1964
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Emblem
Influences
Pan-African colors and the 'Kwacha' (rising sun)
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The red rising sun must be centered in the black band
- Horizontal bands must be of equal height
Practice
Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.