Tanzania

Tanzania
Adopted	June 30, 1964
Proportions	2:3

The flag of Tanzania is divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the lower hoist-side corner. The upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is blue.

Symbolism

• The green color in the flag represents the natural vegetation present in the country.
• The Golden color represents rich mineral deposits of the country.
• The Black color represents the native Swahili people of the country.
• The blue color represents the numerous lakes and rivers and the Indian ocean.

History

Up until 1918, Tanzania, known as both Tanganyika and Zanzibar (both were split nations before 1964), was a colony of Germany (called the German Empire) specifically German East Africa, so the colony used the flag of German East Africa.

After WWI, the colony was under British rule, so the flag used a red ensign, with a white disc containing a giraffe. The flag lasted until 1961.

After independence, the country adopted a new flag that consisted of a green field, with a yellow-fimbriated black stripe in the middle. The flag is inspired from the ruling party (TANU; Tanganyikan African National Union). The flag lasted for four years (1961 to 1964).

After the uniting of the country with Zanzibar, the flag was amalgamated with the island's flag, and the stripe was titled diagonally for "distinctiveness."