Flag of Suriname

What the flag means

The appendix to the 1975 decree gave the meanings: green for fertility and hope for a new Suriname, white for justice and freedom, and red for renewal and love. The yellow star stands for the unity of the nation and a golden future.

History

Before independence the government held a design competition. Jack (Jacques) Pinas, an art teacher and graphic designer, won, and parliament accepted his design with some changes. A decree of Governor Johan Ferrier dated 25 November 1975 made it the national flag, and it was raised on independence day.

The 1959 flag's five stars were black, brown, yellow, red and white. Critics said it stressed ethnic differences, and the 1975 flag replaced them with a single star.

Earlier flags of Suriname

1. 1815–1959Dutch red, white and blue tricolour, used in the colony
2. 1959–1975White flag with five coloured stars joined by a black ellipse

Flags of Suriname's neighbours

• Brazil
• French Guiana
• Guyana