Symbolism
Green represents the fertile land and Islam. White represents peace and the Gulf of Aden. The black star on the white stripe recalls the flag of the Somali Republic while distinguishing Somaliland's separate identity. Red represents the blood shed for independence.
History
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of Siad Barre's regime. The current flag was adopted on May 18, 1997, on the anniversary of the founding of the Somali National Movement and the unilateral restoration of sovereignty.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio horizontal tricolor of green, white, and red with a black five-pointed star centered on the white stripe.
Color Meanings
green: The land and Islamic faith
white: Peace and the Gulf of Aden coast
red: Sacrifice in the independence struggle
black: The Somali people, represented by the star
Country Facts
- Continent
- Africa
- Subregion
- Horn of Africa
- Landlocked
- No
- ISO 3166-1
- SO-SL
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- May 18, 1997
- Proportions
1:2
Influences
Flag of Somalia (1960)
SNM liberation movement
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- Used by Somaliland authorities as the national flag
- Somalia and the African Union do not recognize Somaliland's independence
Practice
Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.