The flag of Cameroon is probably most associated with football stadiums around the world, Cameroon being one of the most successful African football teams. A proud national symbol that reflects the country's history and its geography. Adopted in 1975, it features the iconic pan-African colours arranged in a simple yet striking vertical tricolour of green, red, and yellow. These colours are common throughout many African nations' flags and hold deep significance across the continent. Cameroon was, in fact, only the second African country to embrace these colours officially in its flag design, marking a strong statement of continental identity shortly after independence.
What Do the Colours of the Cameroon Flag Represent?
Each colour in Cameroon's flag carries specific meaning rooted in the country's natural environment and political ideals.
Red
Situated in the centre stripe, red is the symbol of unity and sovereignty. It represents the blood shed by Cameroonians in their struggle for independence and the ongoing commitment of the people to maintain their nation’s cohesion.
Yellow
The yellow stripe symbolizes the sun and the vast savannahs found in the northern regions of Cameroon. This colour conveys warmth, hope, and prosperity. The northern part of Cameroon is characterized by dry grasslands and arid landscapes, which contrasts with the southern forests.
Green
The green stripe represents the lush tropical rainforests that dominate the southern parts of Cameroon. This stripe stands for the country’s rich natural resources, fertility, and abundant vegetation.
The Yellow Star
Positioned centrally on the red band is a five-pointed yellow star, often called “the star of unity”. Its placement emphasizes the importance of national unity in a country that has more than 250 ethnic groups and languages.
What Was the Old Flag of Cameroon?
Before the current design was adopted in 1975, Cameroon’s flag consisted of the same green, red, and yellow vertical stripes, but lacked the central star. The original flag was introduced in 1960 when French Cameroon gained its independence.
Following the reunification of the formerly French-administered East Cameroon and the British Southern Cameroons, two stars were added to represent the new federal republic and its two constituent nations.
This earlier version symbolised the unity of the two territories, but was considered insufficient in reflecting the strengthened national identity that emerged after further political consolidation. Removing the two stars and adding a single central yellow star in 1975 was a deliberate move to highlight unity beyond administrative divisions, marking the country’s new phase of nation-building.
Historical Context and Adoption
Cameroon’s flag tells a story of colonial legacy and post-independence transformation. Before independence, the territory was divided between French and British colonial powers, each imposing their own symbols and governance systems.
When French Cameroon gained independence in 1960 and British Southern Cameroons joined in 1961, the new combined flag needed to represent these distinct yet united parts.
The pan-African colours connected Cameroon to the broader African freedom movements and symbolised solidarity with the continent’s decolonisation efforts.
The 1975 addition of the star coincided with the country’s shift to a unitary state in 1972, replacing the previous federal structure. This political change aimed to strengthen national coherence and the star became a direct visual marker of that unity.
