The Central African Republic’s (CAR) flag was created by Barthelemy Boganda, the country’s first president after independence. Boganda produced this stunning ensign by drawing inspiration from traditional African colors.
The Central African Republic flag has four horizontal equal stripes and a vertical red stripe flowing through the center. Blue is at the top, followed by white, green, and yellow. The color of the vertical stripe is red. On the top blue stripe to the left-hand corner of the flag, there is a yellow five-point star.
All of the colors on the flag signify ideals that are important to the country and its people. Red depicts the blood spilled by the nation’s people in order to attain independence, while blue represents the sky and freedom. Green denotes optimism and faith, while white represents peace and decency. The color yellow signifies the people’s tolerance and welcome.
Facts about the Central African Republic flag |
| Country | The central African Republic |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Barthélemy Boganda |
| Adopted | December 1, 1958 |
| Revision | NA |
| Design and Colors | Four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in the center; a yellow five-pointed star to the hoist side of the blue band. |
| Size Ratio | 3:5 |
| Official Name: | The Central African Republic |
| Flag Proportion: | 3:5 |
| Adopted on: | December 1, 1958 |
| Designed by: | Barthelemy Boganda |
| Location: | Central Africa is bordered by Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, and Cameroon |
| Capital City: | Bangui |
| Major Cities: | Ouaka, Ouham, Lobaye, Kemo |
| Area: | 240,534 square miles |
| Population: | 4,422,000 |
| Currency: | Central African Franc (CFA), Franc (XAF) |
| Official Languages: | French, Sango |
| National Anthem: | The Renaissance |
| National symbol(s): | elephant |
| National colors: | blue, white, green, yellow, red |
| National anthem: | |
| Name: | “Le Renaissance” (The Renaissance) |
| Lyrics/Music: | Barthelemy BOGANDA/Herbert PEPPER |
Historical Background
The current design of the Central African Republic flag was officially adopted on December 1, 1958, when the country was still a semi-autonomous territory within the French Community. After gaining full independence on August 13, 1960, the flag remained unchanged, becoming a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty and aspirations.
Design and Colors
The Central African Republic flag features four horizontal bands of equal width in blue, white, green, and yellow from top to bottom.
Symbolism of the Central African Republic Flag
The blue color represents the sky and freedom, symbolizing the country’s desire for a brighter future and peaceful coexistence.
The white color represents peace, purity, and the aspiration for harmony among its people. The green color symbolizes hope, renewal, and the lush vegetation of the Central African landscape. The yellow color represents the country’s wealth in terms of its natural resources and bright prospects for prosperity.