Flag
|
Date
|
Associated state
|
Design
|
Notes
|
|
1876–1879
|
International African Association
|
Blue background emblazoned with a central yellow five-pointed star
|
The blue background symbolises the Congo River and the yellow star (which is still used) symbolises both unity, and a bright future. It was the only flag used during the entire period of colonial Belgian administration.
|
1879–1885
|
International Association of the Congo
|
1885–1908
|
Congo Free State
|
1908–1960
|
Belgian Congo
|
|
1960–1963
|
First Congolese Republic
|
An additional six yellow five-pointed stars are added to the hoist
|
The added stars represent the six state provinces existing at the time of independence from Belgium.
|
|
1963–1964
|
A yellow five-pointed star sitting alongside a red and gold bend sinister on a blue background
|
The red bend represents the blood of martyrs, and the gold frame represents the riches of the land.
|
1964–1966
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo
|
|
1966–1971
|
The red and gold bend sinister was changed to a reduced bend sinister
|
|
|
1971–1997
|
Republic of Zaire
|
Light green emblazoned with a yellow circle containing an arm holding a red torch
|
Filled with Pan-African colours, the flag has a central emblem which is that of the Popular Movement. The torch symbolises the spirit of revolution and the lives of dead revolutionaries.
|
|
1997–2003
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo
|
|
|
|
2003–2006
|
|
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