Flag of ZambiaRepublic of Zambia

What the flag looks like

The Zambian flag consists of a green field with three vertical stripes in the lower fly corner — red, black and orange — and a golden-orange African fish eagle flying above the stripes. The proportion is 2:3. It was adopted on 24 October 1964, when Zambia gained independence from Britain, and was slightly modified in 1996 when the green was darkened.

Colors and meaning

Green represents Zambia's forests, vegetation and agricultural wealth, red represents the blood shed for Zambian independence, black represents the African people of Zambia, and orange represents the country's mineral wealth — particularly copper — and the freedom that came with independence. The African fish eagle represents the country's wildlife and freedom.

Green

Represents the forests, vegetation and agricultural wealth of Zambia. The country has extensive forests and is known for its agricultural production.

Red

Represents the blood shed by Zambian patriots in the struggle for independence from Britain, achieved in 1964, and the courage and sacrifice of the Zambian people.

Black

Represents the African people of Zambia and their heritage. Black is a Pan-African color used by many African nations.

Orange

Represents Zambia's mineral wealth, particularly its copper reserves — Zambia is one of the world's largest copper producers — and the freedom and warmth of the African continent.

African fish eagle

The golden-orange African fish eagle flying above the stripes is the national bird of Zambia and represents freedom, the country's wildlife and the soaring spirit of the Zambian people.

History and adoption

Zambia was a British colony known as Northern Rhodesia from 1924 until 1964. The flag was designed by Gabriel Ellison, a Zambian artist, and was adopted on 24 October 1964, when Zambia gained independence from Britain. In 1996, the flag was slightly modified — the green field was darkened to match the shade used by the Zambian flag manufacturer. The design has otherwise remained unchanged since independence, making it one of the more distinctive African flags with its vertical stripes and soaring eagle.

Key facts

Adopted

24 October 1964 (modified 1996)

Proportion

2:3

Designer

Gabriel Ellison

Capital

Lusaka

Country code

ZM

Similar flags

None

Historical and related flags

Zambia used several flags during its colonial period before independence.

• British Northern Rhodesia (1924–1953): British Blue Ensign with a colonial badge.
• Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953–1963): Blue Ensign with a combined colonial badge.
• Northern Rhodesia (1963–1964): Blue Ensign with an updated badge.
• Current flag (1964–present): Green field with eagle and vertical stripes.
• Presidential standard: Uses the Zambian coat of arms on a red field.

Frequently asked questions

What does the flag of Zambia look like?

The flag of Zambia has a green field with three vertical stripes of red, black and orange in the lower fly, and an orange African fish eagle flying above them. The proportion is 2:3.

When was the flag of Zambia adopted?

The current flag of Zambia was officially adopted on 24 October 1964 (modified 1996).

What do the colors mean?

Green represents Zambia's forests, vegetation and agricultural wealth, red represents the blood shed for Zambian independence, black represents the African people of Zambia, and orange represents the country's mineral wealth — particularly copper — and the freedom that came with independence. The African fish eagle represents the country's wildlife and freedom.

Which flags look similar to the Zambia flag?

No other national flag closely resembles Zambia's. The combination of a green field with three vertical stripes and a soaring eagle is unique.