The Flag of Benin
The flag of Benin consists of two horizontal yellow and red bands on the fly side and a green vertical band at the hoist. The yellow symbolizes the country's northern savannahs, red represents the blood shed by those who fought for Dahomey (former name of Benin), and green stands for hope and the lush vegetation of the south.
History of The Flag of Benin
The flag of Benin was first adopted on November 16, 1959, prior to achieving full independence from France in 1960. However, it was replaced in 1975 when the country was renamed the People's Republic of Benin and a new flag was introduced to reflect the Marxist-Leninist government then in power. This flag featured a green field with a red star in the top-left corner, symbolizing unity and the revolutionary spirit of the country. Following the move away from Marxism-Leninism and the restoration of democracy, the original flag design was reinstated on August 1, 1990, and has remained the national flag since.