Flag of Somaliland

Africa

1997

SO-SL | 1:2

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
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

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