The flag of South Sudan comprises three equal horizontal stripes in the colours of (from the top of the flag to the bottom of the flag) black, red and green, each separated by a thin white stripe. At the hoist of the flag is a blue triangle inside which sits a yellow five-pointed star.
The flag's colours are said to have the following symbolism:
- Black - the population of South Sudan.
- Red - blood shed during the war.
- Green - natural resources.
- White - peace.
- Blue - the River Nile.
- Yellow - the unity of South Sudan.
The flag of South Sudan was first hoisted on 9 July 2005 as a banner for the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in the struggle for South Sudanese independence. The banner was retained as the national flag of South Sudan when the country gained its full independence in 2011. The flag was designed by Samuel Ajak, an artist and member of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement.
The flag's ratio is 1:2.