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Flag of South Africa

Africa
65.5M
1994
Flag of South Africa
ZA | 2:3

Official Palette

Symbolism

The 'Y' shape represents the convergence of diverse elements in society moving together in unity. The colors incorporate historical and liberation movement colors.

History

Adopted on April 27, 1994, for the first fully democratic elections. Designed by Frederick Brownell, it is the only national flag in the world to feature six different colors in its primary design.

Construction

A 2:3 ratio. A horizontal bicolour of red and blue separated by a green Y-shape with black, white, and yellow accents.

Color Meanings

red: Former colonial flags and the blood shed for freedom
blue: The sky and the two oceans surrounding the country
green: The land and the fertility of the soil
black: The native people and African heritage
yellow: The gold and mineral wealth of the nation
white: Peace and the diverse white population

Country Facts

Population
65.5M

4.2% of Africa

Capital
Pretoria
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Continent
Africa
Subregion
Southern Africa
Landlocked
No
Borders
Flag of Botswana BotswanaFlag of Lesotho LesothoFlag of Mozambique MozambiqueFlag of Namibia NamibiaFlag of Eswatini EswatiniFlag of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
ISO 3166-1
ZA

Flag Identification

Adopted
April 27, 1994
Designer
Frederick Brownell
Proportions

2:3 (≈1.500)

23
Total Colors
6
Primary Layout
Horizontal bands

Influences

The concept of the 'Rainbow Nation'

Flags with resemblance

Visually close designs — compare colors and emblems, or try similarities mode.

Related flags

Flag Protocol

  • The green Y-shape must be bordered by white and yellow fimbriation
  • Must be treated with highest honor as a symbol of the new democracy

Practice

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