Zambia Flag

A symbol of Zambia's legacy

Zambia's Flag

The flag of the Republic of Zambia, first flown on October 24th, 1964

Zambia has a brightly coloured flag full of meaning and symbolism.
• The dominant green background symbolises the country's rich vegetation and agricultural wealth
• The red stripe is a memorial of the struggle and blood shed in the fight for the country's liberation from colonial rule
• The black stripe is symbolic of the original people of the land
• The bright orange is a symbol of Zambia's wealth in copper - the country's number 1 income generator
• The orange African fish eagle floating above the stripes is a symbol of the freedom of the people, as well as a representation of the people's ability to rise above whatever challenges that they may face as a nation

The Zambian flag, by law, can only be flown between sunrise and sunset, and on government-approved vessels and institutions.

Zambia's National Anthem

The national anthem of Zambia is one of celebration and praise for the victory which was seen in the 1960's when Zambia became a free and independent state.

Stand and sing of Zambia, proud and free
Land of work and joy and unity
Victors in the struggle for the right
We've won freedom's fight
All one, strong and free

Praise be to God
Praise be, praise be
Bless our nation
Zambia, Zambia
Free men we stand
Under the flag of our land
Zambia praise to thee
All one, strong and free

Before Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free, Zambia sang the popular anthem adopted by a few other countries - Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, which was the Zambian anthem from 1964. Prior to that, while it was still Northern Rhodesia, Zambia's national anthem was God Save the Queen.

Zambia Flags Before Independence

Before Zambia was even a part of the Rhodesia and Nyasaland territory, the British South Africa Company flew it's flag in the country:

Flag of British South Africa Company (1890 to 1924)

After the BSA Company relinquished control of the then called Northern Rhodesia, the flags used between 1939 and 1963 were a defaced British blue ensign. Many British colonies and territories had their flags based on it.

Flag of Northern Rhodesia from 1939 to 1953	Flag of Northern Rhodesia from 1953 to 1963

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