Flag of Suriname Facts for Kids

The national flag of Suriname flying proudly.

The flag of Suriname is a colorful symbol of this South American country. It has five horizontal stripes. The top and bottom stripes are green, and they are wider than the others. In between, there are two thin white stripes. The very center stripe is red and is the widest of all. Right in the middle of the red stripe, you'll see a large, bright yellow, five-pointed star.

What Do the Colors and Star Mean?
History of the Surinamese Flag
- Earlier Flags of Suriname
Images for kids
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What Do the Colors and Star Mean?

The colors and the star on Suriname's flag each have a special meaning. They tell a story about the country's past, present, and hopes for the future.

The Green Stripes

The two wide green stripes at the top and bottom of the flag represent the rich natural resources of Suriname. This includes the country's fertile land, its many forests, and the hope for a bright future. Green also stands for the hard work and effort of the Surinamese people.

The White Stripes

The two thin white stripes symbolize peace and justice. They remind everyone that the people of Suriname want to live together peacefully and fairly. White also represents freedom and the idea that everyone should be treated equally.

The Red Stripe

The wide red stripe in the middle of the flag stands for the love and sacrifice of the Surinamese people. It reminds us of the determination and courage it took to gain independence. Red also represents the energy and strength of the nation as it builds its future.

The Golden Star

The large, golden, five-pointed star in the center of the flag is a very important symbol. It represents the unity of all the different groups of people who live in Suriname. These groups came from many parts of the world, and the star shows that they all live together as one nation. The five points of the star also stand for the five continents from which the people of Suriname originated: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas. The star's golden color also symbolizes a golden future for the country.

History of the Surinamese Flag

Suriname gained its independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975. Before this, it had different flags. The current flag was adopted on the very day of its independence.

Earlier Flags of Suriname

Before 1975, Suriname was known as Dutch Guiana. It had a different flag that showed a white oval with a colored ellipse inside. This ellipse had five stars of different colors, connected by a black line. Each star represented a different ethnic group in the country. The current flag, with its simple design and powerful symbols, was chosen to represent a new, unified Suriname.