Central African Republic flag patch

Size: 6.5 x 4 cm (2.56 x 1.57 inch)

The flag of the Central African Republic consists of four equal horizontal stripes with an equal vertical red stripe down the middle of it. The horizontal stripes appear from top to bottom in blue, white, green and yellow. There is a yellow five-point star situated on the blue stripe near the top left hand corner of the flag.

Meaning: The red vertical stripe, representing blood, is superimposed to symbolize the need for respect between Europeans and Africans. It also represents the blood of the nation; the blood spilt in its fight for independence; and the blood Central African's would spill to protect their homeland. The yellow star of independence symbolizes a bright future. The blue stripe represents vastness, freedom, serenity and the sky. The color white represents bravery, peace and dignity; while the green symbolizes hope and faith; and the yellow stripe represents the people's tolerance, hospitality and charity.

History: The Central African Republic flag was adopted on December 1, 1958. It was designed by Barthélemy Boganda, the first president of the territory of Oubangoui-Chari, who believed France and Africa should march together. For the Central African Republic flag, Boganda combined the French tricolor flag's colors of red, white and blue with the Pan-African colors red, green and yellow. The Central African Republic received its independence from France on August 13, 1960.

Interesting Facts: Political parties in the Central African Republic are forbidden to use the national flag in their propaganda (source: worldflags101).