12 Countries That Changed Their Flags
February 25, 2026 · 9 min read
A national flag is more than a design — it is a statement of identity. When countries undergo revolution, gain independence, or transform politically, the flag often changes too. Here are 12 countries that redesigned their flags, and the stories behind each change.
1. South Africa(1994)
South Africa adopted its iconic six-color flag when apartheid ended and Nelson Mandela became president. The Y-shape symbolizes the convergence of diverse elements within South African society. It replaced the orange-white-blue flag associated with apartheid rule.
2. Libya(2011)
From 1977 to 2011, Libya had the simplest flag in the world: a plain green rectangle. After the revolution that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi, Libya restored its 1951 independence flag with red, black, and green stripes and a white crescent and star.
3. Rwanda(2001)
Rwanda changed its flag six years after the 1994 genocide to move away from associations with that dark period. The new flag features blue, yellow, and green with a sun in the upper right corner, symbolizing a new beginning and hope.
4. Afghanistan(2021)
Afghanistan has changed its flag more than any other country — over 20 times in the last century. Each regime change brought a new design. The flag has changed multiple times between Taliban and republic-era designs.
5. Myanmar(2010)
Myanmar replaced its socialist-era flag (red with blue canton and white stars) with the current design featuring yellow, green, and red horizontal stripes with a large white star. The change coincided with political reforms and the new constitution.
6. Mauritania(2017)
Mauritania added red stripes to the top and bottom of its green flag with gold crescent and star. The red represents the blood shed by defenders of the nation. It was the most recent flag change by popular referendum.
7. North Macedonia(1995)
Originally Macedonia used the Vergina Sun, a symbol also claimed by Greece. After international pressure, the flag was changed to a stylized yellow sun with eight broadening rays on a red background.
8. Georgia(2004)
Georgia adopted the five-cross flag (white background with red crosses) after the Rose Revolution. The design dates back to medieval Georgian kingdoms and replaced the dark red flag used since independence in 1991.
9. Iraq(2008)
Iraq has changed its flag several times. The current version keeps the red-white-black horizontal stripes with green Arabic script reading 'Allahu Akbar' (God is Greatest) in Kufic script, replacing the previous handwriting style associated with Saddam Hussein.
10. South Sudan(2011)
South Sudan adopted its flag upon independence, becoming the world's newest country. The black, red, and green stripes with white dividers and a blue triangle with a yellow star draw from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement flag.
11. Canada(1965)
Canada's iconic maple leaf flag replaced the Red Ensign (which featured the Union Jack). The change was controversial at the time but the new design has become one of the world's most recognized flags.
12. Malawi(2012)
Malawi briefly changed its flag in 2010 to a design with a full white sun, but reverted to the original rising sun design in 2012 after public outcry. The original 1964 flag with a red rising sun on black was restored.
Flag Changes Under Debate
Several countries are currently debating flag changes. New Zealand held a referendum in 2015-2016 but voted to keep the current design. Australia periodically debates removing the Union Jack. Fiji adopted a new flag briefly in 2015 before reverting. As national identities evolve, more flag changes are likely.
Test your knowledge of current flags with the Flag Quiz or browse all 194 flags to see the latest designs.
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