Mozambique’s flag (1 May 1983) pairs green‑black‑yellow horizontal bands, the black edged in white, with a red hoist triangle charged with a yellow five‑pointed star bearing a book, hoe, and AK‑47 with bayonet. Green denotes land; black Africa; yellow mineral wealth; white peace; red the liberation struggle. The emblem signifies education (book), agriculture (hoe), and defence/ vigilance (rifle). The design derives from FRELIMO symbolism and is fixed in statute, which standardises ratios, colours, and emblem geometry.
Mozambique’s national flag compresses liberation history, developmental priorities, and civic aspirations into one of the world’s most recognisable African designs.
Adoption
and antecedents. Mozambique achieved independence from Portugal on 25 June 1975 after an armed struggle led by FRELIMO. The new state adopted a banner influenced by FRELIMO colours and devices. On 1 May 1983 the republic promulgated the present flag: three horizontal bands of green, black, and yellow, the black fimbriated in white; a red hoist triangle bearing a yellow five‑pointed star charged with a book, a hoe, and an AK‑47 with bayonet.
Symbolism
Green represents fertile land; black the African continent and people; yellow mineral resources; white peace and reconciliation; red the sacrifices of the liberation war. The open book stands for education; the hoe for agriculture and labour; the rifle for defence and vigilance in safeguarding independence. The five‑pointed star indicates international solidarity and the guiding role of progress.
Standards and construction
Implementing texts define a common 2:3 ratio; the width of the fimbriations; the triangle’s geometry; colour references; and the exact drawing of the star and its charged devices. Guidance clarifies correct vertical display and prohibits mirrored or distorted emblems.
Protocol
The flag flies daily on ministries, schools, and missions; is half‑masted by decree in mourning; illuminated when displayed at night; and retired with dignity when worn. Desecration is penalised; commercial use is regulated.
Debate and continuity. Periodic proposals have questioned the appropriateness of a firearm on a national flag; a 2005 commission reviewed alternatives. The state retained the 1983 design, citing its historical resonance and educational reading of the emblem as defence alongside books and tools. Through refinement of official drawings, the composition has remained materially unchanged.
Thus Mozambique’s banner—bands, triangle, star with book, hoe, and rifle—sets a narrative of liberation and development within a precise legal frame.