MOZAMBIQUE’S UNUSUAL FLAG

Most flags represent a country and are flown to symbolize patriotism. After all, nothing says patriotic like a country’s flag hanging off a monster flagpole. While flags like those of the United States and England are famous and easy to interpret, some other flags are not. In fact, some countries’ flags are downright confusing and strange−so much so that they need to be thoroughly explained. One of such flags is Mozambique’s national flag.

Mozambique is an African country that gained independence in 1498. Since then, the country has seen several changes. One of such changes is their national flag, which is a strange combination of symbols, replicas of physical materials, and colors. The flag was adopted in 1983 and bears the following:

●A hoe: The hoe, also called a farming mattock on Mozambique’s flag symbolizes the country’s rich agricultural roots and inclinations.

●An Ak-47 rifle with a bayonet attached to the end: This automatic rifle/knife combo represents the vigilance and defensive nature of the country and its citizens. Mozambique is one of three United Nations member states to have fire arms on their flags. The other two countries are Guatemala and Haiti.

●A five point star: Unlike the other symbols on the flag, the five point star is a fairly common symbol on national flags. Here, it symbolizes Marxism and Nationalism.

●An open book: Just like in other scenarios, the open book symbolizes education.

●The colors Green, white, black and yellow: Green stands for the richness of the land, white for peace, black for Africa, and yellow for the country’s minerals and natural resources.

●A red isosceles triangle: The red here represents the country’s struggle for independence.

Even though the country’s flag has both national and cultural significance, one cannot help wondering if it could not have been designed differently. Perhaps the country’s Nationals thought this too, which is why they decided to change it in 2005. A contest was held to see who could design a better flag for the country. Unfortunately, the flag still remains the same till date.