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
- ISO 3166-1
- ZA
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- April 27, 1994
- Designer
- Frederick Brownell
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- 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
Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.