Benin’s flag uses the Pan-African colors green, yellow and red. A vertical green band occupies the hoist, while the fly is divided horizontally into yellow above red.

History

The flag was adopted in 1959 before independence from France. It was replaced during the Marxist People’s Republic of Benin but restored in 1990 when the country returned to a multiparty constitutional system.

Meaning

Green, yellow and red connect Benin with the wider Pan-African color tradition. They are commonly associated with hope and renewal, the country’s wealth, and the sacrifices made for freedom.

• First adopted: 1959
• Restored: 1990
• Colors: green, yellow and red