People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 1987
In 1987, through a referendum, Ethiopia became a People's Democratic Republic. Megistu Haile Mariam was confirmed as president. The green-yellow-red flag now carried a circular blue shield and featured a stele of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum, a cogwheel, a red ribbon depicting a golden lion's head, an spear and a sceptre, a yellow star on red, emanating yellow rays, and a the country's name at the top in Amharic characters.