Flag of Madagascar

This national flag features a vertical white stripe positioned on the hoist side. To the right of this vertical band, the remainder of the field is divided into two equal horizontal stripes, with red on top and green on the bottom. No emblems or additional symbols are present on the 2:3 ratio design.

Red and white represent the historical colors of the Merina Kingdom, which ruled the island prior to French colonial intervention in the late 19th century. These specific hues were prominently used on the standards of Queen Ranavalona III and other monarchs to symbolize purity and sovereignty. Green was added to the design to represent the Hova, the class of commoners and peasants who played a significant role in the independence movement. Collectively, the three colors reflect the union of the Highlands people with the coastal populations and the nation's hope for a prosperous future.

Madagascar officially adopted this design on October 21, 1958, following a public competition held during the transition toward independence from France. It served as the flag of the Malagasy Republic within the French Community before the nation attained full sovereignty in 1960. While the country underwent several constitutional changes and name shifts in the following decades, the basic layout and color scheme have remained constant since their initial introduction. Prior to French colonization, the Merina monarchs utilized various red and white banners to represent their authority across the island.