Design and Background
The flag has seven horizontal stripes:
- Green represents agriculture and land
- Yellow represents mineral wealth
- Red represents blood shed for freedom
- Black represents the people of Zimbabwe
On the hoist side, there is a white triangle containing:
- A red star representing revolution
- The Zimbabwe Bird, an ancient national symbol
The white triangle represents peace.
Zimbabwe is located near Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana.
Historical Roots of the Flag
The flag of Zimbabwe was adopted in 1980 when the country gained independence from British rule, formerly known as Rhodesia.
The Zimbabwe Bird comes from ancient stone carvings found at the ruins of Great Zimbabwe and is one of the oldest national symbols in Africa.
If you want to learn more about Great Zimbabwe and the independence struggle, you can also read our Zimbabwe country history page.
Meaning of the Colors and Symbols
Each part of the Zimbabwe flag has a clear meaning:
- The green color represents land and agriculture
- The yellow color represents mineral wealth
- The red color represents sacrifice
- The black color represents the people
- The white triangle represents peace
- The red star represents freedom and revolution
- The Zimbabwe Bird represents history and heritage
The design strongly focuses on freedom, heritage, and national identity.
Use of the Flag Today
Today, the flag of Zimbabwe is used on public buildings, in schools, and during official ceremonies and national celebrations, especially on Independence Day (18 April). It is also widely seen during cultural festivals and international events.
On this page, you can also explore the flag gallery to see different styles and versions of the flag, including historical and modern formats useful for education and design.
The flag of Zimbabwe is more than just a national symbol. It represents independence, heritage, and the pride of the Zimbabwean people.
