Eswatini’s national flag has blue bands at the top and bottom, a broad red central band, and narrow yellow stripes separating them. A traditional black-and-white shield with spears and a staff appears in the centre.

Meaning

Blue represents peace and stability, yellow the country’s mineral resources, and red the battles of the past. The shield and weapons represent Swazi culture, defence and the monarchy, while black and white elements are commonly interpreted as racial coexistence.

History

The design is based on a military flag presented by King Sobhuza II to the Swazi Pioneer Corps in the 1940s. It became the national flag at independence in 1968.

• Adopted: 1968
• Colors: blue, yellow, red, black and white
• Central symbol: traditional shield and spears