Flag of Ethiopia

Meaning and history of the flag of Ethiopia

Ethiopia's flag consists of three equal horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red from top to bottom, with a blue circular emblem at the center containing a yellow five-pointed star known as the Seal of Solomon. This version with the emblem was officially adopted on February 6, 1996.

Ethiopia's three colors carry enormous historical weight, having been adopted by numerous African countries as a symbol of pan-Africanism during the independence movements of the twentieth century. Green represents the fertility of the land, yellow stands for hope and peace, and red for the sacrifice made for freedom. As one of the few African countries never colonized, Ethiopia became a beacon of inspiration for the whole continent.

The blue star at the center was added after the fall of the Derg regime and symbolizes the diversity and unity of the Ethiopian peoples. Before 1996, the flag had carried the Lion of Judah or a communist emblem, depending on the period. The flags of Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, and many other African nations use green, yellow, and red as a direct tribute to Ethiopia's flag.

You can view the flag of Ethiopia in high resolution above and download it in several sizes for personal, educational or reference use. To explore more, visit the full Ethiopia profile, its map, or the current local time in Addis Ababa.