Namibia

Last modified: 2002-07-05 by jarig bakker
Keywords: namibia | sun: 12 rays | welwitschia |
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by Zeljko Heimer, 3 Jul 2002

• Namibian flag 1990-
• Flag construction sheet
• Coat of Arms
• An UFE (Unidentified Flying Ensign or Flag)

• National index
• Historical flags of Namibia
• Caprivi
• German Southwest Africa / Deutsch Südwestafrika

Namibian flag 1990-

The National Flag of Namibia shall be rectangular, in the proportion of three in the lenght to two in width, tirced per bend reversed, blue, white and green; the white bend reversed, which shall be one third of the width of the flag, is charged with another of red, one quarter of the width of the flag. In the upper hoist there shall be a gold sun with twelve straight rays, the diameter of which shall be one third of the width of the flag, with its vertical axis one fifth of the distance from the hoist, positioned equidistant from the top edge and from the reversed bend. The rays, which shall each be two-fifths of the radius of the sun, issue from the outer edge of a blue ring, which shall be one tenth the radius of the sun.

Although no colour has a specific meaning, the symbolism attributed to the national flag by the Chairman of the National Symbols Sub-committee at a press conference on 2 February 1990 is as follows:

• Red - represents Namibia's most important resource, its people. It refers to their heroism and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity for all;
• White - refers to peace and unity
• Green - symbolises vegetation and agricultural resources
• Blue - represents the clear Namibian sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the country's precious water resources and rain;
• and the golden-yellow sun represents life and energy.

The main colours were taken from the flag of SWAPO (South West African People's Organization), the most important
liberation movement. This flag was adopted in 1971 and was horizontal blue-red-green, the most important colours of the Ovambo's, the largest population.
Source: Jos Poels, "Prisma Vlaggenboek", 1990.
Mark Sensen, 10 Aug 1999

National Flag. CSW/CSW 2:3
The flag is described in details from official source. All the dimensions are provided for. The distance of the sun emblem from the upper edge and the diagonal is only stated to have to be equal. I designated them the letter d to indicate that. While drawing the flag this size came (on three digits) as 3.175 (or if you want from the center of the sun d+5=8.175) but I haven't tried to prove
that mathematically.
Zeljko Heimer, 3 Jul 2002

I have made mathematical research and my answer is 3,170740241 (from bend to border of sun-circle). <(24-5/cosA)/(1+1/cosA)-5A=arctan(30/45)> But if we use only two-digital cyphers the answer shall be 3,18
We can say that 3.175 is correct too.
Victor Lomantsov, 3 Jul 2002

Flag construction sheet

Namibian Coat of Arms

New Arms were adopted at independence and are described heraldically as follows:

• ARMS: Tierced per bend sinister, Azure, Argent and Vert, a bend sinister Gules and in dexter chief a sun with twelve straight rays Or, charged with an annulet Azure.
• CREST: Upon a traditional head-ring Vert charged with six lozenges conjoined Or, a Fish Eagle rising, wings elevated and displayed, proper.
• SUPPORTERS: Two Oryx proper.
• COMPARTMENT: A Namib sand-dune with a Welwitschia mirabilis (desert flower) in the foreground, proper.
• MOTTO: UNITY LIBERTY JUSTICE

The National Coat of Arms is the official emblem of the Government service as a statutory body. The Coat of Arms is depicted on all official publications and stationery.
The National Flag is reproduced on the shield of the Coat of Arms. It is firmly anchored in the sand of the centuries old Namib Desert. On the headband above the shield is the fish eagle, representing the north and our country's water resources. The fish eagle has excellent vision and is thus also a symbol of the farsightedness of our country's leaders. The two Oryx antelope on either side of the shield are indigenous, specifically to the semi-arid parts of Namibia. They are renowned for their courage, elegance and pride.

The Welwitschia mirabilis, rooted in the desert sand is a unique desert plant, a fighter for survival and, therefore, a symbol of Namibia's fortitude and tenacity. The headband refers to the traditions of our people and the diamond shapes symbolise the importance of diamonds to the country's economy.

The motto, Unity, Liberty, Justice enshrines the key principles embodied in the Constitution. Private bodies may not use the Coat of Arms without the express permission of the President.
Info from the website of the Namibian Government.

An UFE (Unidentified Flying Ensign or Flag)