Flags›Africa›South Sudan

South Sudan

Africa

Quick Facts

Capital

Juba

Population

11.0M

Area

619,745 km²

Density

18 /km²

Median age

19 yrs

Description

Adoption

9 July 2011 (independence, 15 years). The design dated from 2005, from the liberation-movement era.

Designed byNo individual designer; taken from the liberation movement (SPLM) banner.

Design & Symbolism

Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.

Proportions

1:2

Shape

Rectangular

Colors

Black#000000

Black depicts the South Sudanese people.

Red#DA121A · Pantone 186 C

Red depicts the blood shed for freedom.

Green#078930 · Pantone 356 C

Green depicts the land and agriculture.

White#FFFFFF

The thin white bands depict peace.

Blue#0F47AF · Pantone 286 C

The blue triangle depicts the waters of the Nile.

Yellow#FBDC0A · Pantone 116 C

The golden star (the Star of Bethlehem) depicts the unity of the states.

Symbols & elements

Golden star

The Star of Bethlehem, standing for the unity of the states and for the guidance of the people towards a common path.

Construction details

Proportions 1:2. Three horizontal bands, black, red, green, separated by thin white lines, with a blue triangle at the hoist bearing a golden five-pointed star.

Construction sheet

Etiquette & protocol

How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.

Specific rules — South Sudan

The flag is honoured on 9 July, Independence 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?

With six colours, it is one of the most colourful national flags in the world.

Test your knowledge!

Can you recognize this flag in Flag Reveal?

Play Flag Reveal

More from Africa

Gabon

Rwanda

Burundi

Senegal

Somalia

Seychelles

Browse by Continent

On the blog

One article covers this flag.

Why Do So Many African Flags Share the Same Colours?

Green, yellow, red. Across Africa, these three colours appear again and again. Their story leads back to Ethiopia, a victory that became a symbol, and the African independence movements of the 20th century.

5 min read