National Flag of the Central African Republic (1958)

Just like a number of other African countries, the landlocked nation of the Central African Republic once came under European colonial rule (France). 

From the late 19th century the area now known as the Central African Republic was called the territory of Ubangi-Shari. 

It was ruled along with three other central African nations (Gabon, Chad and Congo - also known as the Republic of the Congo) under the title of French Equatorial Africa. 

It wasn't renamed the the Central African Republic until 1958 and gained full independence from France in 1960.

Along with the country's name change came the adoption of the current Central African Republic flag on the 1st of December 1958. 

The flag shows the country's historical link to its colonial past, with the red, white and blue of the French national flag and to its newly found independence, with the incorporation of the pan-African colours (green, yellow and red).

After a military coup in the 1970s, the country briefly changed its name to the Central African Empire. Throughout this period the country's flag remained the same. 

The pan-African colours of red, yellow and green have been adopted by many African ex-colonies and symbolise African independence and unity. 

It is believed the colours originated from the flag of Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in Africa.

The Symbolic Meaning

The flag is a mixture of symbols, the colonial colours of France (red, white and blue) and the pan-African colours (green, yellow and red). 

The combining of the colours represents the country's desire for Europeans and Africans to live in harmony and to have respect for one another. 

The red vertical stripe running down the centre of the flag links all the colours together and symbolises the universal blood bond of humanity. 

The yellow five-pointed star in the upper hoist represents the independence of the nation.