Flag of South Sudan

What the flag looks like

Three horizontal stripes of black, red and green separated by narrow white stripes, with a blue triangle at the hoist bearing a yellow five-pointed star.

What it means

Black represents the people, red the blood shed for freedom, green the land, white peace and blue the waters of the Nile; the yellow star stands for unity.

How to remember it

South Sudan is Kenya's black-red-green stripes with a blue Nile triangle and gold star at the hoist instead of a shield.

Fun facts

• The flag was used by the autonomous region from 2005 and became the national flag at independence in 2011.
• South Sudan, admitted in July 2011, is the newest member of the United Nations.
• The Sudd in South Sudan is one of the largest wetlands in the world.

South Sudan at a glance

Capital

Juba

Region

Middle Africa

Population

12 million

Area

619,745 km²

Languages

English

Currency

South Sudanese pound (£)

Flag adopted

2005

Flags often confused with South Sudan

• Kenya: Kenya and South Sudan share black, red and green stripes separated by thin white lines. Kenya has a shield and spears in the center; South Sudan has a blue triangle with a yellow star at the hoist.
• Sudan: Sudan and South Sudan both have three stripes and a triangle at the hoist. Sudan is red, white and black with a green triangle; South Sudan is black, red and green with a blue triangle and yellow star.
• Malawi: Malawi and South Sudan both have black, red and green horizontal stripes. Malawi has a red rising sun on the black stripe; South Sudan has thin white stripes and a blue triangle with a yellow star.