24 August 1847 (shortly after the declaration of independence of 26 July 1847, 179 years).
Designed byCommittee of seven women (Susannah Lewis et al.), 1847.
Design & Symbolism
Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.
Proportions
10:19
Shape
Rectangular
Colors
Red#BF0A30 · Pantone 186 C
Red depicts valour and courage.
White#FFFFFF
White depicts purity and moral excellence.
Blue#002868 · Pantone 281 C
The blue canton depicts the African continent; the white star, freedom.
Symbols & elements
Lone star
The single white star marks Liberia as the first independent republic in Africa. The eleven stripes are the signatories of the declaration of independence, and the whole design deliberately echoes the flag of the United States, from which the founders came.
Construction details
Proportions 10:19. Eleven horizontal stripes alternating red and white; in the blue canton, a single white five-pointed star. The design is modelled on the flag of the United States.
Construction sheet
Etiquette & protocol
How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.
Specific rules — Liberia
The flag is honoured on 24 August, Flag Day.
It flies on public buildings and at official ceremonies.
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?
It is a deliberate echo of the American flag, because the country was founded by freed slaves and free people of colour from America.
