Guinea-Bissau Flag

Red represents the bloodshed in the fight for independence from Portugal. The black star stands for African unity and the black majority. Yellow symbolizes the sun, prosperity, and the country’s wealth, while green reflects its lush vegetation, hope, and agricultural roots.

The design was adopted by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde shortly before Guinea-Bissau declared independence on 24 September 1973. Heavily inspired by the flag of Ghana and other Pan-African movements, it became the national flag after recognition of independence and independence from Portuguese colonial rule. The flag has remained a constant emblem since the end of the war of liberation.

The flag’s layout places a vertical red stripe on the hoist with a centered black star, and two equal horizontal stripes—yellow above green—on the fly side. With proportions of 1:2, the design offers a clear, bold presentation that balances symbolism and visual clarity.

The flag is flown on public buildings, at diplomatic missions, and historically during celebratory events such as Independence Day (24 September). It is to be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset, maintained in good condition, and lowered to half-mast during periods of mourning, particularly the death of prominent state figures or during national tragedies.