Flag of Madagascar facts for kids
The flag of Madagascar was officially adopted on 14 October 1958. It has a unique design with two horizontal bands of red and green. On the left side, there is a white vertical band. This flag was chosen just before Madagascar gained its full independence from France.
What Do the Colors Mean?
Each color on the Malagasy flag has a special meaning, representing different aspects of the country's history and its people:
- White: The white color stands for purity and peace. It also represents the traditional colors of the Merina kingdom, which was a powerful kingdom in Madagascar's history.
- Red: The red color symbolizes the sovereignty of the Malagasy people and the sacrifices made for their country. It is also linked to the historical colors of the Merina monarchy.
- Green: The green color represents hope and the agricultural wealth of Madagascar. It is also said to represent the coastal people of the island, who played a big part in the country's journey to independence.
A Symbol of Independence
The flag was adopted in 1958, which was a very important time for Madagascar. Before this, the country was under French colonial rule. The adoption of its own national flag was a big step towards becoming a fully independent nation. It showed the world that Madagascar was ready to govern itself. The flag became a strong symbol of the country's freedom and its new beginning.