Flag of ChadRépublique du Tchad

What the flag looks like

The Chadian flag consists of three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist), yellow (center) and red (fly). The proportion is 2:3. It was adopted on 6 November 1959, in preparation for independence from France, which was granted on 11 August 1960. The design is nearly identical to the flag of Romania, but with a darker shade of blue.

Colors and meaning

Blue represents the sky, hope and the waters of Lake Chad, yellow represents the sun and the sands of the Sahara Desert that covers much of northern Chad, and red represents the blood shed for Chadian independence and the courage of the Chadian people.

Blue

Represents the sky, hope and the waters of Lake Chad — the large shallow lake that borders Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon and gives the country its name.

Yellow

Represents the sun and the sands of the Sahara Desert, which covers the northern half of Chad. Yellow also represents the country's mineral wealth, particularly its oil reserves.

Red

Represents the blood shed by Chadian patriots in the struggle for independence from France, achieved in 1960, and the courage and sacrifice of the Chadian people.

Design origin

The flag combines the French Tricolore's vertical layout with the Pan-African colors of blue, yellow and red, reflecting Chad's position between Arab North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Similarity to Romania

Chad's flag is nearly identical to the flag of Romania, both using blue-yellow-red vertical bands. Chad uses a darker shade of blue, while Romania's blue is lighter. This is one of the most commonly confused flag pairs in vexillology.

History and adoption

Chad was a French colony from 1900 until 1959, when it became an autonomous republic within the French Community. The flag was adopted on 6 November 1959, in preparation for full independence, which was granted on 11 August 1960. The design was based on the French Tricolore with Pan-African colors added. It has remained unchanged since independence, despite decades of civil conflict and political instability.

Key facts

Adopted

6 November 1959

Proportion

2:3

Designer

Based on the French Tricolore with Pan-African colors

Capital

N'Djamena

Country code

TD

Similar flags

Romania, Moldova, Andorra

Historical and related flags

Chad used several flags during its colonial period before independence.

• French Chad (1900–1959): French flag used during colonial rule.
• Autonomous republic (1959–1960): Current flag adopted.
• Current flag (1960–present): Blue, yellow and red vertical bands.
• Presidential standard: Uses the Chadian coat of arms with a goat and a lion.

Frequently asked questions

What does the flag of Chad look like?

The flag of Chad has three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist), yellow (center) and red (fly). The proportion is 2:3.

When was the flag of Chad adopted?

The current flag of Chad was officially adopted on 6 November 1959.

What do the colors mean?

Blue represents the sky, hope and the waters of Lake Chad, yellow represents the sun and the sands of the Sahara Desert that covers much of northern Chad, and red represents the blood shed for Chadian independence and the courage of the Chadian people.

Which flags look similar to the Chad flag?

Romania and Moldova use the same blue-yellow-red vertical bands. Romania's blue is lighter, and Moldova adds a coat of arms. Chad's flag uses a darker blue and has no emblem.