Madagascar flag patch

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

The flag of Madagascar consists of two horizontal stripes and one vertical stripe, all of which are of equal size. There is a vertical white stripe on the left side of the Madagascar flag. The rest of the Madagascar flag consists of a red horizontal stripe over top of a green one.

Meaning: One theory on the Madagascar flag's meaning states that the colors of the Madagascar flag represent Madagascar's history, yearning for independence, and traditional classes. Red and white were the colors of the Merina kingdom, which fell to France in 1896. The colors were used in the flag of Queen Ranavalona III, the last Merina monarch. They also represent the ethnic origins of the Malagasy people in Southeast Asia, and are shared by the flag of Indonesia. Green was the color of the Hova, a class of commoners who played a significant role in the independence movement. The modern day interpretation of the Madagascar flag colors believes that red standing for sovereignty, white represents purity and green means hope.

History: The Madagascar flag was adopted on October 14, 1958. Madagascar gained independence from France on June 26, 1960.

Interesting Facts: Although Madagascar officially changed its name under a new constitution in 1975, the Madagascar flag remained the same (source: worldflags101).