Flag of Mozambique

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Flag of Mozambique Flag ratio: 2:3
Flag of Mozambique
National flag and ensign Flag ratio: 2:3

The flag of Mozambique was adopted on May 1, 1983. It includes the image of an AK-47 and is the only national flag in the world to feature such a modern rifle.

The flag is based on the flag of the Mozambican Liberation Front (FRELIMO). The FRELIMO flag, used for a brief period after the country gained its independence from Portugal, looks like the current flag but lacking the emblem.

Contents

[edit] Flag symbolism

Green: The riches of the soil
Black: The African continent
Yellow: The mineral riches
White: The peace
Red: The country’s struggle for independence

The Emblem:
Yellow star: The solidarity of the people and the socialistic beliefs of the country
Book: Education
Hoe: Peasants and agriculture
AK-47: The nation’s determination to protect its freedom

[edit] New flag?

In 2005, a competition was held to design a new flag for Mozambique. 119 entries were received and a winning flag was selected, but to this day the flag remains the same. This came in the context of a drive to create a new crest and anthem for the country. Mozambique's parliamentary opposition would specifically like to see removed from the flag the image of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which symbolizes the nation's struggle for independence, according to press reports. This drive to change these national symbols has met great resistance from public opinion.

The proposition of a new flag was rejected by the FRELIMO-dominated parliament in December 2005. 169 proposed flags were turned down, including the current flag without the rifle.[1]

[edit] Historical flags

Design used in the past, but now abandonedLast flag of Portuguese East Africa.

Design was proposed in the past, but never officially adoptedProposal flag of Portuguese East Africa.

Design used in the past, but now abandonedFlag of Mozambique between September 5, 1974 - June 25, 1975.

Design used in the past, but now abandonedFlag of Mozambique between June 25, 1975 - April, 1983.

Design used in the past, but now abandonedFlag of Mozambique between April - May 1, 1983.

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Mozambique: Parliament Keeps Gun In National Flag", New York Times, 20 December 2005. Retrieved on 2007-11-14. 


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