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South Africa

Africa

Quick Facts

Capital

Pretoria

Population

60.0M

Area

1,219,090 km²

Density

49 /km²

Median age

28.1 yrs

Description

Adoption

27 April 1994 (at the first democratic election, 32 years).

Designed byFrederick Brownell, State Herald (1994).

Design & Symbolism

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

Proportions

2:3

Shape

Rectangular

Colors

Green#007749 · Pantone 3415 C

Green forms the 'Y' that joins the other colors, symbolizing the convergence of South African society.

Red#DE3831 · Pantone 179 C

Red, white and blue draw on the colors of earlier flags (Boer and British).

Blue#002395 · Pantone Reflex Blue C

The converging 'Y' expresses unity in the nation's diversity.

White#FFFFFF

The government states that no official symbolism is attached to the individual colors.

Black#000000

Black, green and gold draw on the colors of the African National Congress (ANC).

Yellow#FFB612 · Pantone 1235 C

Gold, with black and green, evokes the heritage of the African National Congress.

Construction details

Proportions 2:3. Red (top) and blue (bottom) bands separated by a horizontal green 'Y' (pall), fimbriated white, spreading from the hoist toward the fly; within the fork of the 'Y', at the hoist, a black triangle edged in gold.

Construction sheet

Etiquette & protocol

How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.

Specific rules — South Africa

The flag is honoured on 27 April (Freedom Day) and 24 September (Heritage 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?

Its flag has six colors arranged in a distinctive Y-shape -- making it one of the most colorful and complex national flags.

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