Overview
The flag of Cape Verde has been the country's national flag since 22 September 1992. It features a deep blue field crossed slightly below the midline by a narrow horizontal band composed of white, red and white stripes. To the hoist side of the band there is a circle of ten yellow five-pointed stars. The design is distinct from the earlier post‑independence flag and was adopted as part of a broader move to emphasize Cape Verdean identity.
Design and components
The flag is built from a few clear elements: a dominant blue background, a transverse three‑stripe band (white‑red‑white) and a ring of ten yellow stars. The blue evokes the surrounding Atlantic Ocean and the sky; the white and red are commonly interpreted as symbols of peace and the effort or determination of the nation; and the ten stars represent the principal islands that make up the archipelago.
Symbolism and meaning
- Blue: maritime location, sea and sky.
- White: peace and unity.
- Red: work, struggle and national determination.
- Ten stars: the major inhabited islands of the Cape Verde archipelago.
History and context
When Cape Verde became independent from Portugal in 1975, it initially used a flag that reflected the liberation movement and Pan‑African colors. In 1992 the national government approved the present design to reflect a distinct Cape Verdean identity and to move away from the earlier revolutionary symbolism. The change coincided with political reforms and the introduction of a multi‑party system.
Uses and notable facts
The flag is flown on public buildings, at official ceremonies and by Cape Verdean missions abroad. It appears at sporting events and cultural festivals as a national emblem. The circle of stars is sometimes interpreted as a visual statement of the country's insular unity and its orientation toward the sea and international engagement. For further official information, see official sources.
Distinctions: The 1992 flag deliberately departs from Pan‑African flag colors that dominated the earlier banner, replacing overt revolutionary symbols with a design focused on geography and national cohesion.