Zimbabwe’s flag (adopted 18 April 1980) displays seven horizontal stripes green‑gold‑red‑black‑red‑gold‑green with a white hoist triangle bearing a red star and the Zimbabwe Bird. Green symbolises agriculture; gold mineral wealth; red the struggle; black the people. The red star denotes revolutionary history and hope; the Zimbabwe Bird anchors cultural heritage. Ratio 1:2 with codified triangle and emblem geometry.
Zimbabwe’s national flag combines pan‑African colours with a distinctive hoist triangle and cultural device.
Adoption
At independence on 18 April 1980 the new state adopted a flag derived from the Zimbabwe African National Union banner: seven stripes arranged green‑gold‑red‑black‑red‑gold‑green; at the hoist, a white triangle edged in black charged with a red star and the Zimbabwe Bird.
Symbolism
Green stands for agriculture and land; gold for mineral wealth; red for blood shed in the liberation war; black for the people. The red five‑pointed star signals revolutionary history and hope; the Zimbabwe Bird references Great Zimbabwe and national heritage.
Standards and protocol
The ratio is 1:2; stripe heights equal; the hoist triangle’s base equals flag height; the bird and star are drawn to an official template. Protocol covers precedence, half‑masting, illumination at night, and dignified retirement.
Continuity
The design has been stable since 1980, with official drawings refining detail while preserving composition. Military and presidential standards are derived variants.
Public life
The flag features in national holidays and schools’ civics; correct usage and meaning are taught and enforced.
Zimbabwe’s banner is thus a layered emblem—pan‑African stripes, revolutionary star, and a unique avian seal—fixed in law and ceremony.