The flag of East Timor is set on a red field. On the hoist side of the flag is a black triangle set on a longer yellow arrowhead that extends to the centre of the flag. At the centre of the black triangle is a five pointed white star.
The flag of East Timor was originally designed by the Fretilin party for the Democratic Republic of Timor following its transition from a colony of Portugal to an independent state in 1975. However, this independence was short lived with Indonesian occupation beginning only days after and continuing through to 1999. The flag was officially adopted by the new state of East Timor when independence was finally made official on 20 May 2002.
The flag of East Timor holds various symbolism - the flag's red colour recalls blood shed on the journey to independence, the black triangle represents the darkness of centuries of colonial rule, the yellow arrowhead symbolises hope forĀ future propserity, the white star symbolises peace and a guiding light for the future.
The flag's ratio is 1:2.
The flag of East Timor flies