Flag of Suriname

Design and symbolism

The arrangement consists of green, white, red, white and green stripes. The green fields, shown at top and bottom, represent the country’s agricultural wealth and hope for the future; the white fimbriations stand for freedom and justice; the broad red band evokes progress and unity of purpose. A large yellow five-pointed star sits centered in the red stripe as a symbol of national unity and the guiding aspirations of the people.

• Green: fertility, natural resources, and hope.
• White: peace, justice, and harmony.
• Red: progress, courage, and the will to build the nation.
• Yellow star: unity of the diverse population beneath a common ideal.
• Five-pointed star: often read as representing the five main ethnic groups or their shared future.

History and adoption

The current flag was introduced at the moment of independence from the Netherlands on 25 November 1975 and replaced colonial and provisional banners used prior to that date. Its form was selected to reflect a break from colonial imagery and to express a distinct national identity. Official specifications define the relative widths of the stripes so that the two green bands are broader than the white separators and the red central band is the most dominant field.

Uses, protocol and related flags

As with most national flags, Suriname’s banner is displayed on government buildings, at national ceremonies and on Independence Day. There are separate ensigns and standards for maritime and presidential use in many countries, and Suriname also uses variants for official purposes. Flag protocol emphasizes respectful treatment, correct hoisting and lowering, and observance of designated display days.

Because of its simple geometric layout and strong colors, the flag is widely used in civic contexts, educational materials and international events to identify Suriname. For visual references and further reading, consult official government publications and flag repositories that document national symbols and their meanings.