Flag of Gabon

This national emblem features three horizontal stripes of equal width. Arranged from top to bottom, the bands consist of green, yellow, and blue. Unlike many national flags that use a 2:3 ratio, this design utilizes a 3:4 aspect ratio.

Green represents the extensive equatorial forests that cover a significant portion of the nation’s territory. The central yellow stripe signifies the sun and the Equator, which bisects the country. Blue denotes the Atlantic Ocean, specifically the coastal waters that border Gabon to the west. Together, these elements characterize the geographic position and natural environment of the Gabonese Republic.

Upon becoming an autonomous republic within the French Community in 1959, Gabon initially utilized a design featuring a thinner yellow band and the French Tricolour in the canton. This version was replaced on August 9, 1960, just prior to formal independence from France. The current design removed the French colonial reference and expanded the central yellow stripe to match the proportions of the other fields. Since its adoption at independence, the flag has remained unchanged in its official capacity.