Flag of Guinea-Bissau facts for kids

The national flag of Guinea-Bissau

The flag of Guinea-Bissau is a special symbol for this country in West Africa. It was first created in 1973 when the nation declared its independence from Portugal. This flag tells a story of freedom and hope for the future.

What the Flag Looks Like

The flag of Guinea-Bissau has a unique design. On the left side, there is a tall, red stripe that goes up and down. This part is called the "hoist side" because it's where the flag is attached to the flagpole. In the middle of this red stripe, you'll see a black five-pointed star.

The rest of the flag, on the right side (called the "fly side"), is divided into two equal horizontal stripes. The top stripe is yellow, and the bottom stripe is green.

The Meaning Behind the Colors

Each color and symbol on the flag has an important meaning for the people of Guinea-Bissau:

• The red stripe stands for the hard work and sacrifices made during the fight for independence. It represents the blood shed by those who worked for freedom.
• The yellow stripe symbolizes the sun, which brings life and energy. It also represents the wealth of the country and the hope for a bright future.
• The green stripe shows the rich nature of Guinea-Bissau, like its forests and farms. It also stands for the hope that the country will grow and prosper.
• The black star is a powerful symbol of Africa. It represents the dignity, freedom, and unity of the African people.

History of the Flag

The design of Guinea-Bissau's flag is based on the flag of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). This political party played a huge role in leading the country to independence.

A very important leader named Amílcar Cabral helped design this flag. He was a key figure in the fight against Portuguese rule. The flag was officially adopted on September 24, 1973, the day Guinea-Bissau declared itself an independent nation.

Images for kids

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  East German stamp with portrait of Amílcar Cabral and the Guinea-Bissau flag

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  Canjadude, 1974: Running up the Guinea-Bissau flag after striking the Portuguese flag.

See also

In Spanish: Bandera de Guinea-Bisáu para niños