# flag of Angola

> national flag of the Republic of Angola

**Wikidata**: [Q124329](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124329)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Angola)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flag-of-angola

## Summary
The flag of Angola is the national flag of the Republic of Angola, adopted on November 11, 1975, following the country's independence from Portuguese colonial rule. It features a red field with a yellow five-pointed star and a stylized armed hand at the center, symbolizing the nation's history of struggle and unity. As a key national symbol, it represents Angola's sovereignty and political identity.

## Key Facts
- Adopted on **November 11, 1975**, marking Angola's independence from Portugal.
- Features a **red field** with a **yellow five-pointed star** and a **stylized armed hand** emblem.
- Officially designated as the **national flag** of the Republic of Angola.
- Aliases include **"Angolan flag"** and **"Angola flag"**.
- Classified under the category **"national flag"** (sitelink count: 66).
- Originated in **Angola**, a country on the west coast of Southern Africa.
- Angola's inception dates include **November 11, 1975** (independence) and **August 25, 1992** (constitutional adoption).
- Historically part of the **Portuguese Empire** from 1575 to 1975.
- Wikidata sitelink count: **73**.
- Wikipedia title: **"Flag of Angola"**.
- Wikidata description: **"national flag of the Republic of Angola"**.

## FAQs
- **When was the flag of Angola adopted?**  
  The flag was adopted on November 11, 1975, coinciding with Angola's declaration of independence from Portugal.

- **What do the symbols on the flag represent?**  
  The red field symbolizes struggle, the yellow star represents unity, and the armed hand signifies the defense of national freedom.

- **How is the flag connected to Angola's history?**  
  It was introduced immediately after independence, replacing the flag of the Portuguese Empire, which had ruled Angola since 1575.

- **What are alternate names for the flag?**  
  It is commonly referred to as the "Angolan flag" or "Angola flag."

## Why It Matters
The flag of Angola is a potent symbol of national identity and historical resilience. Adopted during the transition from colonial rule to independence, it visually encapsulates Angola's struggle for sovereignty and its commitment to unity. As a successor to the Portuguese Empire's flag, it marks a clear break from colonial oppression, serving as both a political statement and a unifying emblem for the Angolan people. Its design elements directly reference the nation's turbulent path to freedom, ensuring its enduring relevance in civic and cultural life.

## Notable For
- **Unique symbolism**: Combines a red field (struggle), a yellow star (unity), and an armed hand (defense of freedom).
- **Post-colonial adoption**: Introduced immediately after independence from Portugal, replacing colonial iconography.
- **Historical continuity**: Reflects Angola's transition from Portuguese rule (1575–1975) to sovereign statehood.
- **Cultural prominence**: Serves as a primary national symbol, distinct from other Southern African flags.

## Body

### History and Adoption
The flag of Angola was officially adopted on **November 11, 1975**, the date of Angola's independence from Portugal. This followed nearly 400 years of colonial rule, which began in 1575 under the Portuguese Empire. The flag's design was chosen to symbolize the nation's break from colonialism and its commitment to socialist principles, reflecting the political ideology of the governing MPLA party at the time.

### Design and Symbolism
- **Red field**: Represents the blood shed during Angola's struggle for independence and the ongoing effort to build a free nation.
- **Yellow five-pointed star**: Symbolizes the unity of the Angolan people and the light of socialism guiding the country.
- **Stylized armed hand**: Embodies the defense of national freedom and the people's readiness to fight for their rights.

### Related Entities
- **Angola**: A country on the west coast of Southern Africa, established as a sovereign state on November 11, 1975. It was previously a territory of the Portuguese Empire from 1575 to 1975.
- **Portuguese Empire**: The colonial power that governed Angola for nearly four centuries until its independence in 1975.

### Cultural and Legal Status
The flag holds legal status as the national emblem of the Republic of Angola, regulated by constitutional and governmental protocols. Its design and usage are protected under Angolan law, ensuring its respectful representation in both domestic and international contexts. The flag's imagery is deeply integrated into Angolan civic culture, appearing at government buildings, public events, and national celebrations.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet
3. Name Suggestion Index