Republic of Botswana, 1966

The National Flag of the Republic of Botswana was first hoisted at midnight on 30 September 1966 upon independence, to replace the Union Jack that had been the only flag flown in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. The light blue colour of the flag represents water - specifically rain, a precious resource in this dry and arid land. A black band, framed in white, symbolises harmony between different races in the country and racial diversity; it also represent the stripes of the zebra, the national animal of Botswana.