The Flag of the Central African Republic
The flag of the Central African Republic features four horizontal stripes of blue, white, green, and yellow, with a vertical red stripe in the center, intersecting them all. In the upper left corner, on the blue stripe, there is a single yellow five-pointed star. This flag design symbolizes the country's location in Africa, its peace and dignity (white), natural resources and vegetation (green), and the unity of its people (red). The yellow star represents independence.
History
The flag of the Central African Republic was officially adopted on December 1, 1958, shortly before the country gained independence from France on August 13, 1960. The flag's design was created by Barthélemy Boganda, the first Prime Minister of the autonomous territory of Oubangui-Chari, who believed that 'France and Africa must march together.' Thus, he designed the flag to symbolize the bond between France and Africa, incorporating the Pan-African colors (red, green, and yellow) along with the French Tricolore's colors (blue, white, and red). The flag's unique design is meant to reflect the nation's hope for peace and prosperity through unity and solidarity among its diverse population.