The Flag of the DR Congo

The current flag was adopted on February 20, 2006, and is the latest in a series of flags used by the country since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has had several flags throughout its history, reflecting political changes and conflicts within the country. The original flag at independence was similar to the current flag but with a smaller star and without the red stripe. This design was replaced in 1963, and several subsequent flags were used, often reflecting the political movements or leaders in power, such as Mobutu Sese Seko's regime, which introduced a completely different flag featuring a leopard head. The return to a variation of the original flag design in 2006 signifies a return to the ideals of the independence era and an effort to unify the country.