# flag of Cameroon

> national flag of the Republic of Cameroon

**Wikidata**: [Q159872](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q159872)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Cameroon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flag-of-cameroon

## Summary
The flag of Cameroon is the national emblem of the Republic of Cameroon, adopted on May 20, 1975. It features vertical stripes of green, yellow, and red, symbolizing the country's rich heritage and its connection to Pan-African ideals. As a sovereign state in West-Central Africa, Cameroon's flag represents its history, culture, and unity.

## Key Facts
- Adopted on May 20, 1975.
- Features three vertical stripes of green (left), yellow (center), and red (right).
- Classified as a national flag and a Pan-African flag due to its use of the Pan-African colors (green, yellow, and red).
- Officially known as the "flag of Cameroon" or "Cameroon flag."
- Associated with the Republic of Cameroon, a sovereign state established on January 1, 1960.
- Connected to the broader Pan-African flag tradition, which originated in 1920.
- Has 66 sitelinks on Wikidata, indicating its recognition across multiple languages and platforms.
- Described on Wikipedia as the "Flag of Cameroon."

## FAQs
**Q: When was the current flag of Cameroon adopted?**  
A: The flag was officially adopted on May 20, 1975, replacing earlier designs used since independence in 1960.

**Q: What do the colors of the Cameroon flag symbolize?**  
A: The green represents the country's lush vegetation, yellow symbolizes the sun and the savannahs, and red honors the blood of national heroes who fought for independence.

**Q: How is the Cameroon flag related to the Pan-African movement?**  
A: The flag uses the Pan-African colors (green, yellow, and red), which originated in the 1920s as a symbol of African unity and resistance to colonialism.

**Q: What distinguishes the Cameroon flag from other African flags?**  
A: Its vertical tricolor design is unique among many African nations, which often use horizontal stripes or additional emblems.

## Why It Matters
The flag of Cameroon is a potent symbol of national identity and sovereignty, reflecting the country's journey from colonialism to independence. By incorporating Pan-African colors, it connects Cameroon to a broader legacy of African unity and anti-colonial struggle. The flag's design also highlights the nation's geographical diversity, from its lush forests to its arid savannahs, making it a unifying emblem for a culturally and ecologically diverse population.

## Notable For
- **Unique Vertical Design**: One of the few African flags to use vertical stripes instead of horizontal bands.
- **Post-Independence Adoption**: Introduced in 1975, 15 years after Cameroon's independence, symbolizing a break from colonial symbolism.
- **Pan-African Heritage**: Directly incorporates the colors of the Pan-African flag, emphasizing continental solidarity.
- **Geographical Representation**: Explicitly ties its colors to the nation's natural landscapes (vegetation, savannahs, and volcanic soil).

## Body

### History
The flag of Cameroon was adopted on May 20, 1975, replacing earlier designs that included a yellow five-pointed star on the canton (1960–1972) and a vertical tricolor with a narrower yellow stripe (1972–1975). The 1975 design simplified the flag to three equal vertical stripes, aligning with the Pan-African color scheme while distinctively representing Cameroon's geography and history.

### Design and Colors
- **Green**: Represents the lush vegetation of the south and the country's rich natural resources.
- **Yellow**: Symbolizes the sun and the arid savannahs of the north.
- **Red**: Honors the blood shed by national heroes during the struggle for independence and sovereignty.
The vertical arrangement of these colors distinguishes it from horizontal tricolors common in other African nations.

### Related Entities
- **Pan-African Flag**: The Cameroon flag is part of a tradition dating to 1920, when the Pan-African colors were first used to symbolize African unity. While not a direct copy, it shares the symbolic green, yellow, and red palette.
- **Cameroon**: As the national flag of the Republic of Cameroon, it represents a sovereign state in West-Central Africa, established on January 1, 1960, after gaining independence from France.

### Cultural Significance
The flag plays a central role in national ceremonies, public institutions, and international diplomacy. Its design reflects Cameroon's dual Francophone and Anglophone heritage, as well as its commitment to African unity. The vertical stripes are often interpreted as a metaphor for the country's diverse regions standing together in solidarity.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet
3. [Cameroon | VexiWiki | Fandom](https://flags.fandom.com/wiki/Cameroon)
4. Name Suggestion Index