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Flag of South Africa

Flag of South Africa
ZA · 2:3

Official Palette

#007749
#FFFFFF
#000000
#FFB81C
#E03C31
#001489

Symbolism

While the colors have no official meaning, the 'Y' shape (a pall) represents the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity. The colors incorporate those of the ANC (black, green, yellow) and the old Boer republics and British flags (red, white, blue).

History

Adopted on April 27, 1994, to mark the end of apartheid and the country's first fully democratic elections. Designed by State Herald Frederick Brownell, it was initially meant to be an interim flag but became universally popular.

Construction

A 2:3 ratio. It features a green Y-shape bordered in white against red and blue bands, with a black triangle bordered in yellow at the hoist.

Country Specifications

Capital
Pretoria
Population
65.5M
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Continent
Africa
Subregion
Southern Africa
Landlocked
No
ISO 3166-1
ZA

Flag Identification

Adopted
April 27, 1994
Designer
Frederick Brownell
Proportions
2:3 (≈0.67)
Total Colors
6
Primary Layout
Horizontal bands

Flags with resemblance

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

Related flags

Practice

Test yourself on flags from Africa — same images as this page, no account needed.

Sources

  • Government of South Africa
  • Britannica