Flag of the Central African Republic

What the flag looks like

Four horizontal stripes of blue, white, green and yellow, crossed in the center by a vertical red band, with a yellow five-pointed star in the upper hoist corner.

What it means

The flag combines the French blue, white and red with the pan-African green, yellow and red to express unity between Europe and Africa; red is the blood shared by all, and the star is a guide toward independence.

How to remember it

The Central African Republic's four horizontal stripes are cut down the middle by one red vertical band, the French and pan-African colors literally crossing.

Fun facts

• The flag was designed by independence leader Barthélemy Boganda, who hoped for a wider union of Central African states.
• The capital, Bangui, lies on the Ubangi River, which forms the border with DR Congo.

Central African Republic at a glance

Capital

Bangui

Region

Middle Africa

Population

5.3 million

Area

622,984 km²

Languages

French, Sango

Currency

Central African CFA franc (FCFA)

Flag adopted

1958