Angola Flag

National Flag of Angola

Angola Flag Display

National flag of Angola - The flag of Angola features two horizontal bands—red above black—with a centered yellow emblem composed of a half gear wheel crossed by a machete topped with a star. The red represents the blood shed during Angola’s struggle for liberation, while the black stands for the African continent. The emblem symbolizes industrial and agricultural workers and national progress.
Official flag of Angola

Quick Facts About Angola and Angola Flag

Adopted:
Aspect Ratio:
2:3
Capital:
Luanda
Population:
Approximately 35 million (2023 estimate).

Flag Description

The flag of Angola features two horizontal bands—red above black—with a centered yellow emblem composed of a half gear wheel crossed by a machete topped with a star. The red represents the blood shed during Angola’s struggle for liberation, while the black stands for the African continent. The emblem symbolizes industrial and agricultural workers and national progress.

Symbolism & Meaning of the Angola Flag

Red symbolizes the blood shed during the war of independence; black represents the African continent. The yellow emblem’s gear stands for industrial workers, the machete for peasants and armed struggle, and the star echoes socialist ideals and international solidarity.

Historical Background of the Angola Flag

At independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975, the MPLA adopted its party flag as the national flag. Designed by MPLA member Henrique de Carvalho Santos, the gear and machete motif echoed revolutionary and socialist symbolism. A proposed redesign in 2003 was rejected due to concerns about losing independence symbolism.

Design Elements of the Angola Flag

Horizontal bicolour: upper red band, lower black band. Centered yellow emblem including a half gear wheel crossed by a machete, surmounted by a five-pointed star.

Usage & Protocol of the Angola Flag

Standard flag etiquette applies—display with respect on national holidays like Independence Day, and keep the flag clean and undamaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the colors of the Angola Flag represent?

Red symbolizes the blood shed during the war of independence; black represents the African continent. The yellow emblem’s gear stands for industrial workers, the machete for peasants and armed struggle, and the star echoes socialist ideals and international solidarity.

When was the Angola Flag adopted?

The Angola flag was adopted on November 11, 1975 (the day after independence was declared); based on the MPLA party flag, it became the official national flag immediately following the lifting of the Portuguese flag at independence ceremonies., marking an important milestone in the country's development as an independent nation.

What is the aspect ratio of the Angola Flag?

The Angola flag has an aspect ratio of 2:3, which determines the proportional relationship between its width and height for official display purposes.