Lesotho Flag

Blue represents the sky and rain vital to agriculture; white stands for peace and harmony; green signifies prosperity and the land’s fertility. The black *mokorotlo*, worn as part of national dress, embodies cultural identity, wisdom, and unity. Reflecting post-apartheid harmony with South Africa, the hat replaced previous symbols of armed struggle.

Lesotho first flew a national flag at independence in 1966. A military-influenced flag was adopted in 1987 featuring a shield, spear, and club. To promote peace and unity, a national contest led to the current design, formally adopted on Lesotho’s 40th Independence Day, 4 October 2006. The mokorotlo replaced warlike imagery, re-centering cultural heritage.

The flag features horizontal stripes in proportions 3:4:3 of blue, white, and green. A black silhouette of a *mokorotlo* hat is placed centrally on the white stripe. The colors correspond to Pantone and CMYK specifications; the *mokorotlo* is drawn to standardized dimensions for visibility.

Lesotho’s flag is displayed during national holidays including Independence Day (4 October) and the King’s Birthday. Protocol dictates the flag never touch the ground, be flown in good condition, and lowered at sunset. Though no separate flag law exists, customary display guidelines are observed, and worn flags are respectfully retired.