Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone
Flag of Sierra Leone
Adopted	April 27, 1961
Wikipedia article
Flags of the World article

The national flag of Sierra Leone is a tricolour consisting of three horizontal green, white and blue bands. It was adopted in 1961, Sierra Leone's independence year, to replace the British Blue Ensign defaced with the arms of the Crown Colony of Sierra Leone.

Design

The colours of the flag carry cultural, political, and regional meanings. The green alludes to the country's natural resources – specifically agriculture and its mountains. – while the white epitomizes "unity and justice". The blue evokes the "natural harbour" of Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, as well as the hope of "contributing to world peace" through its usage.

Similarities with Other flags

The flag is very similar to that of the official flag of Galápagos Province, a province of Ecuador. The difference between the flags are very insignificant, with Sierra Leone's one having a lighter blue and green than that of the Galápagos Province.

The Republic of Molossia, a micronation located in Nevada, uses a flag similar to Sierra Leone, but inverted and with slighty brighter colors.

It is also very similar to the "Erne flag" used by ships on the Shannon–Erne Waterway in Ireland, except that that flag uses deeper shades of green and blue.

Historical flags

Flag of Sierra Leone (1889–1916)

Flag of Sierra Leone (1916–1961)

Flag of British West Africa Settlements

Flag of Governor of Sierra Leone (1889–1916)

Flag of Governor of Sierra Leone (1916–1961)

Flag of Governor-General of Sierra Leone

Flag of Governor-in-chief of the British West Africa Settlements