Flags of Africa - Part 1

Explanation: 6 colors, adopted in 1994 for the first democratic elections. The Y symbolizes the convergence of peoples.

Explanation: The green 5-pointed star (Seal of Solomon) on a red background dates from 1915. Red recalls the descendants of the Prophet.

Explanation: Horizontal red-white-black with the golden Eagle of Saladin. These Pan-Arab colors symbolize revolution, peace and colonialism.

Explanation: Green-white-green, designed in 1959 by a 23-year-old student. Green represents agriculture, white peace.

Explanation: The Maasai shield and spears on the black-red-green bands symbolize the defense of freedom. Adopted in 1963.

Explanation: Black, yellow, green, white, red and blue. It is one of the most colorful flags, reflecting the "rainbow nation".

Explanation: Green-yellow-red with a blue star at the center. The only African country never colonized, its colors inspired Pan-African flags.

Explanation: First sub-Saharan African country to gain independence (1957). The black star symbolizes African freedom.

Explanation: Green-yellow-red with a green star. Very similar to the flag of Mali but with the added star.

Explanation: Orange-white-green (left to right), the exact reverse of Ireland. Orange symbolizes the northern savanna, green the southern forests.

Explanation: Vertical green-red-yellow with a yellow star. The Pan-African colors were adopted at independence in 1960.

Explanation: Green and white with red crescent and star. Green symbolizes Islam, white purity, red the blood of martyrs.

Explanation: Very similar to the Turkish flag but the crescent and star are within a white circle. Adopted in 1831.

Explanation: The black diagonal stripe bordered in yellow symbolizes the people. Born from the merger of the Tanganyika and Zanzibar flags in 1964.

Explanation: The rainbow flag was created by Frederick Brownell for the first multiracial elections, with Nelson Mandela.