Equatorial Guinea’s flag (12 October 1968) features green‑white‑red horizontal bands with a blue hoist triangle and the national coat of arms (silk‑cotton tree and six stars) centred on the white band. Green represents forests; white peace; red the struggle; blue the sea uniting the mainland and islands. Ratio 2:3; usage with or without arms varies by context, with arms on state flags.
Proclaimed at independence on 12 October 1968, Equatorial Guinea’s flag combines pan‑African colours with a maritime triangle and the national coat of arms. From the hoist, a blue isosceles triangle points into three equal horizontal bands of green, white, and red. Centred on the white stripe is the coat of arms: a silk‑cotton (ceiba) tree above a silver shield, six gold stars representing the mainland and five islands, and a scroll with the motto Unidad, Paz, Justicia.
Colour meanings were defined at adoption: green for equatorial forests and agriculture; white for peace; red for the struggle and the people’s sacrifice; blue for the sea that links the continental territory to the islands. The arms identify the state in formal contexts and are commonly omitted in purely civil uses, where a plain tricolour with triangle may be displayed.
Specifications
set a 2:3 ratio; the triangle’s base and height, the bands’ equality, colour references, and the scale and placement of the arms are codified for consistent manufacture. Protocol regulates precedence, half‑masting, and the circumstances for displaying flags with or without arms. Worn flags are retired with dignity; misuse is penalised.
The design has remained stable, with official drawings refining the arms. The flag is prominent on ministries, schools, ports, and missions abroad and anchors independence ceremonies and civic education.