Symbolism
The shield and spears represent the protection of the country. The black and white shield (Sihlangu) shows racial harmony. Blue represents peace, yellow represents mineral resources, and red represents past struggles.
History
Adopted on October 6, 1968. The design is based on a military flag given to the Swazi Pioneer Corps by King Sobhuza II in 1941 to represent the nation's readiness to defend itself.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A horizontal tricolor of blue, yellow (thin), red (thick), yellow (thin), and blue. A traditional Emasotsha shield and spears are centered.
Color Meanings
blue: Peace and stability
yellow: The mineral resources of the nation
red: The battles and struggles of the past
black_white: Racial harmony (the zebra-skin shield)
Country Facts
- Population
- 1.2M
<0.1% of Africa
- Capital
- Mbabane
- Languages
- English, Swazi
- Continent
- Africa
- Subregion
- Southern Africa
- Landlocked
- Yes
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- SZ
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- October 6, 1968
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 5
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Weapon
Influences
Traditional Swazi warrior equipment (Sihlangu shield)
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The shield and spears must be perfectly centered on the red band
- The blue and yellow bands must be horizontal
Practice
Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.