The national flag of Cameroon is a vertical tricolor of green, red and yellow, charged with a five-pointed yellow star at the centre of the middle stripe. The three vertical bands follow the Pan-African palette and are commonly described in plain terms as green, red and yellow. The central emblem, a solitary five-pointed star, is often called the "star of unity" and is shown in yellow; a reference link for the symbol is provided here: five-pointed star.
Design and symbolism
The flag's layout is three equal vertical bands with the star placed in the centre of the red band. Broadly accepted interpretations assign meanings to the colours: green for the southern forests and hope, red for independence and national unity, and yellow for the savannas in the north and the sun. The central star is a visual statement of unity across the country's regions and peoples.
History and development
Cameroon's modern tricolour derives from the Pan-African tradition that inspired many African national flags during decolonisation. Earlier national flags used different symbols to reflect political arrangements; an earlier federal flag featured two stars representing constituent parts of the state. The present single-star configuration was adopted after constitutional changes that emphasised a unitary republic, making the lone star a concise emblem of national cohesion.
Variants, proportions and protocol
Standard practice specifies the tricolour proportions and the central placement of the star, though official variants exist for presidential and military use. The flag is displayed on public buildings, at diplomatic missions, and during national holidays. Protocol around handling, hoisting and lowering follows common international conventions: the flag is to be treated with respect, not allowed to touch the ground, and flown in precedence with other national flags when appropriate.
Uses and notable facts
- National celebrations: the flag is a focal point during independence and unity commemorations.
- Education: the flag is taught as a symbol of national identity in schools and civic programs.
- International representation: used by Cameroon’s diplomatic missions and sports teams to signify national affiliation.
While simple in appearance, the flag of Cameroon combines colour and symbol to express geographical diversity and political unity. For more detailed official specifications or historical documents consult the sources linked above or national archives and government publications.