South Sudan’s flag (9 July 2011) has black‑red‑green horizontal bands separated by white fimbriations and a blue hoist triangle charged with a gold five‑pointed star. Black represents the people; red the blood shed; green the land; white peace; blue the Nile; gold unity and hope. Ratio 1:2; geometry and colours are codified.
Upon independence on 9 July 2011 South Sudan adopted a flag drawn from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement banner. A blue isosceles triangle at the hoist points into three equal horizontal bands—black, red, green—separated by narrow white stripes; a gold five‑pointed star sits within the triangle.
The colours’ meanings are widely taught: black for the people of South Sudan; red for the blood shed in the struggle; green for the land’s fertility; white for peace; blue for the Nile River; gold for unity and the nation’s aspirations. The combination of tricolour bands, fimbriations, and a hoist triangle produces a distinctive modern composition.
Construction standards fix a 1:2 ratio; triangle base equal to flag height; fimbriation thickness; star size and placement; and colour references. Protocol governs precedence, half‑masting by order, illumination at night, and dignified retirement. The flag appears on ministries, schools, and missions abroad and anchors independence commemorations and civic education.