Last Updated on September 22, 2021
The flag of Zambia is the national flag of Zambia. It was adopted upon independence on 24th October 1964, by the first Republican President Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda. Before that, Zambia was the British protectorate of Northern Rhodesia and used a defaced Blue Ensign as its flag.
The current flag is used as both national flag and ensign. It is green with an orange-coloured African fish eagle in flight over a rectangular block of three vertical stripes, coloured, from left to right: red, black and orange. The placement of the eagle and block of stripes at the flag’s fly is notable as most emblems and devices on flags are placed at centre or at the hoist.
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Brief History of the Flag of Zambia
The first official national flag of Zambia was adopted during the 1960s. Prior to this, the flag of the British South Africa Company was used beginning in the late 19th century. This flag featured a Union Jack design with an emblem in the center. This flag was used by the nation until 1924. When the nation went under rule of the British Protectorate, the flag of Northern Rhodesia went into use. This flag was used from 1924 through 1964.
When the nation gained its independence in 1964, a new flag was adopted. This flag was almost exactly identical to the one in use today with the exception of a shade of green that was slightly darker and an eagle design that was slightly different. The color was modified in 1996 to create the flag that is still being used today.
Meaning Behind the Colours of the Flag of Zambia
The flag of Zambia uses colors and symbols that hold great significance to the nation. The flag features an eagle which is meant to represent the ability of the people to rise above the nation’s problems. The field represents the flora of Zambia, while the rectangular block of vertical stripes represents the struggle for freedom, the Zambian people, and the country’s national resources. What is most notable about this nation’s flag is that the eagle and vertical strips are located on the outer edge of the flag, whereas most national flags keep their emblems and symbols centered or on the hoist side.
There are four colors used in the Zambian flag. Green is the color of the field, and it symbolizes the lush land of the nation. There are three vertical stripes located in the lower right corner. Red is symbolic of the fight for independence. Black is symbolic of the people of the national. The orange stripe represents the mineral wealth and the abundant natural resources of the country. The eagle that is located above the stripes is also orange in color and, as previously mentioned, represents the citizens’ ability to rise over the problems that the country has faced throughout the years and into its future.