Flag of the Central African Republic facts for kids

The national flag of the Central African Republic.

The national flag of the Central African Republic was created in 1958. It is an important symbol for the country and its people.

What Does the Flag Look Like?

The flag has four stripes that go across it, from left to right. These stripes are blue, white, green, and yellow. There is also one red stripe that goes up and down, right through the middle of the flag. In the top left corner, you can see a bright yellow five-pointed star.

The Story Behind the Flag

The flag was designed by Barthélemy Boganda, who was a very important leader in the Central African Republic. He helped the country move towards becoming independent. The flag was officially adopted on December 1, 1958. This was before the country gained full independence from France in 1960. Boganda wanted the flag to show unity between Africa and Europe.

What Do the Colors Mean?

Each color on the flag has a special meaning:

• Blue stands for the sky, freedom, and the idea of humanity.
• White represents purity, peace, and dignity.
• Green symbolizes the forests, hope, and the future.
• Yellow stands for the savanna, which is a type of grassland, and also for gold, representing the country's wealth.
• The red stripe that goes up and down is very important. It represents the blood shed by the people for their country. It also shows the bond between all people, whether they are from Africa or Europe.
• The yellow star in the corner is a guide. It points the way to a bright future and independence for the Central African people.

Images for kids

• 

  CAR flag

• 

  President David Dacko and CAR flags on a carpet; the flag is depicted incorrectly with two stars instead of one.

• 

  Ubangi-Shari's first postage stamp, from 1959, features Boganda flanked by his flag design.

See also

In Spanish: Bandera de la República Centroafricana para niños