Senegal’s flag—three vertical bands of green, yellow, and red with a central green star—was adopted on 20 August 1960 after independence. The palette draws on pan‑African colours; green signifies Islam, hope, and agriculture; yellow prosperity and labour; red sacrifice in the liberation struggle. The five‑pointed green star symbolises unity and guidance. A brief predecessor in the Mali Federation bore a Kanaga figure; Senegal replaced it with the star on dissolution. Law fixes a 2:3 ratio and protocol for respectful display.
Senegal’s national flag sets a pan‑African tricolour within a French‑style arrangement and marks independence with a singular green star.
Independence context
In 1959 French Sudan (Mali) and Senegal formed the Mali Federation, adopting a green‑yellow‑red tricolour with a Kanaga figure. When the federation dissolved in August 1960, Senegal proclaimed a separate republic and on 20 August 1960 enacted a national flag retaining the tricolour while replacing the Kanaga with a green five‑pointed star centred on the yellow band.
Symbolism
The colours follow pan‑African tradition: green for Islam, hope, and agriculture; yellow for resources, labour, and progress; red for sacrifice in the independence struggle and vitality. The central green star represents unity and guidance.
Standards and protocol
Constitutional and statutory texts set a 2:3 ratio, equal band widths, star geometry and position, and colour references. Protocol governs order of precedence, daily hoisting on public buildings, illumination at night, half‑masting by decree, and dignified retirement of worn flags.
Continuity
Since 1960 the drawing has remained stable. Presidential and military standards add devices, but the civil flag is unchanged. The design’s clarity and pan‑African resonance make it legible in regional and international settings.
Public life
On Independence Day (4 April) and national commemorations, ceremonies integrate the flag with anthem and oath; schools teach colour meanings and correct handling, reinforcing civic identity.
Senegal’s banner thus preserves the federation’s chromatic family while inscribing a distinctive state symbol in the central star.