The Secret History Behind Sierra Leone's Flag
Sierra Leone's flag was chosen by a whole generation, and the name of its designer was never confirmed.
The flag was first raised at midnight on April 27, 1961, the day the country became independent, and replaced the British Blue Ensign. The colors, green, white and blue, come from the country's new arms, designed in 1960 by the College of Arms in London, and the national leaders made the choice together.
Green is read as the agriculture and the mountains, white as unity and justice, and blue as the sea and the natural harbor of Freetown.
The date printed on every Sierra Leone design in our catalog, April 27, 1961, is the day that flag first flew.
Three horizontal colors, no signature, and a whole country behind it.
Looking for a gift with a story? See our heritage gift guide, or read the story behind any other country's flag on our free Flag Stories page.