Mozambique Flag Meaning
A horizontal tricolor of green, black, and yellow, separated by white fimbriations, with a red triangle at the hoist bearing a yellow star, a book, a hoe, and an AK-47 with bayonet. The flag uniquely features a modern weapon as a national symbol.
- Continent
- Africa
- Adopted
- 1983
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Colors
- green, black, yellow, white, red
- Designer
- Based on the flag of FRELIMO (independence movement)
Symbolism
Green Stripe: Represents the land and agriculture.
Black Stripe: Represents the African continent and the people.
Yellow Stripe: Symbolizes natural resources and wealth.
Red Triangle: Stands for the struggle for independence.
Book: Represents education.
Hoe: Represents agriculture and labor.
AK-47 with Bayonet: Symbolizes defense and vigilance.
Yellow Star: Represents Marxism and international solidarity.
History
- 1962: FRELIMO (Front for the Liberation of Mozambique) was founded, using a similar flag.
- 1975: Mozambique gained independence from Portugal and adopted a FRELIMO-inspired flag.
- 1983: The current flag design was officially adopted, with slight modifications over time.
Trivia
- Mozambique’s flag is the only one in the world featuring a modern firearm (the AK-47).
- The hoe, book, and rifle symbolize the pillars of nationhood: agriculture, education, and defense.
- The flag directly reflects FRELIMO’s struggle against Portuguese colonialism.
- Several attempts have been made to redesign the flag to remove the rifle, but it has remained unchanged.
- The red triangle highlights the sacrifices made during the independence struggle.
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