Burundi Flag

How to identify it

A white diagonal cross dividing the flag into red panels at top and bottom and green panels at the sides, with a white disc in the centre carrying three green-edged red six-pointed stars.

Design and construction

Proportions

3:5, changed from 2:3 by regulation on 27 September 1982

Adoption and legal status

Adopted 28 June 1967.

Construction

A white diagonal cross (saltire) dividing the flag into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist and fly sides), with a white central disc bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green, arranged one above two.

Officially documented meaning

The three stars are officially linked to the national motto "Unité, Travail, Progrès" (Unity, Work, Progress) and are also popularly read as representing Burundi's three population groups, the Hutu, Tutsi and Twa. Red stands for the independence struggle, green for hope, and white for peace.

Sources