9 August 1960 (at independence, 66 years). Adapted from the 1959 colonial flag, after removing the French Tricolour and widening the yellow band.
Designed byAdopted at independence (1960); no individual designer established.
Design & Symbolism
Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.
Proportions
3:4
Shape
Rectangular
Colors
Green#009E60 · Pantone 355 C
Green represents the forests, which cover most of the country.
Yellow#FCD116 · Pantone 116 C
Yellow depicts the Equator, which crosses the country, and the sun.
Blue#3A75C4 · Pantone 285 C
Blue represents the sea, along the Atlantic coast.
Construction details
Proportions 3:4. Three equal horizontal bands: green on top, yellow in the middle, blue at the bottom. This nearly square 3:4 format is shared by only two other national flags.
Construction sheet
Etiquette & protocol
How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.
Specific rules — Gabon
The flag is honoured on 17 August, Independence Day.
It has not changed since 1960.
Common conventions
Keep the flag clean and never let it touch the ground.
Never fly a torn or faded flag — repair or replace it.
Illuminate the flag if it stays up at night.
Never use the flag as clothing, packaging or advertising.
Dispose of a worn flag respectfully, not in the trash.
Did you know?
Its nearly square proportions (3:4) are shared by only two other national flags in the world.
