Symbolism
Green represents the vegetation of the islands. Yellow represents the sun and cocoa, a key export. Red represents the struggle for independence. The two black stars represent the two main islands, São Tomé and Príncipe.
History
Adopted on November 5, 1975, shortly after São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975. The design was influenced by the liberation movement that ended centuries of Portuguese colonial rule in the Gulf of Guinea.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio horizontal bands of green, yellow, and green with a red triangle at the hoist bearing two black five-pointed stars.
Color Meanings
green: Vegetation and agriculture of the islands
yellow: The tropical sun and cocoa exports
red: The struggle for independence from Portugal
black: The African heritage of the nation
Country Facts
- Population
- 209.6K
<0.1% of Africa
- Capital
- São Tomé
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Continent
- Africa
- Subregion
- West Africa
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- ST
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- November 5, 1975
- Proportions
1:2
- Total Colors
- 4
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Stars
Influences
PAIGC liberation movement flags
Pan-African colors
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The two stars must appear centered on the red triangle at the hoist
- Must be flown on July 12 (Independence Day)
Practice
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