The Republic of Malawi is a state on the territory of South Africa. On July 6, 1964, the small country declared its independence. The country is one of the poorest on the mainland and the least developed. Has two official languages – English and Chinyanja.
This is what the modern flag of Malawi looks like:
History of the flag
In the 19th century Nyasaland became part of the British colony. A small old image of the settlement was added to the colonial banner.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the country was honored to receive its own coat of arms, which is also drawn on the right side.
From 1919 to 1953, the white circle around the country sign was removed and the image was made slightly larger. This version of the cloth was used until 1963.
In 1953 a new federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (Malawi) emerged with its own flag.
The current national flag of Malawi was adopted on the day of the proclamation of the country’s independence from British rule in 1964, at which time the name of the state was changed.
The national flag is based on the colors of the former ruling Malawi Congress Party, as it was the latter that led the country to independence.
Description of the Malawi flag
The national flag is three stripes of different shades with the sun depicted on it. The composition of the canvas is laconic and austere.
The coat of arms is a reference to European classical heraldry and depicts a lion and a cheetah.
Flag color
The official emblem of Malawi uses stripes of equal width of black, red and green.
Meaning of colors and flag symbol
- The black stripe represents the continent of Africa itself and the people of Malawi.
- The red color symbolizes the spilled blood of the people in the struggle for the independence of the territory.
- The green speaks of Malawi’s beautiful nature and unfading greenery.
- The sun with its 31 rays signifies the hope for freedom and unity of Africa.
Interesting facts about the flag
In 2010, the government decided to change the design of the tricolor slightly. The image of the sun was changed. Before that, the sun was red and was located on top of the cloth. Now it was white and was placed in the center of the flag. Unfortunately, the population has disliked the new design, and May 28, 2012 returned the old version.
On the version of the flag between 2010 and 2012, the white sun that had already risen was supposed to signify the country’s progress after leaving Great Britain.
Other Flags
Malawi is a small state with a population of 18 million people that was able to assert its political rights and escape the oppressive regime of South Africa.
General information about Malawi
Official language | English, Cheva |
Capital | Lilongwe |
Territory | 118 494 km2 |
Population | 16 777 547 people |
Currency | Malawian kwacha |
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