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Monday, February 15, 2010

Republic of Cote d'Ivoire


The National Flag of Cote d'Ivoire
(Ivory Coast)

The Cote d'Ivoire gained its independence from France on August 7th, 1960. It has had a relatively stable history, though recently it has suffered 2 coup attempts. In 1999, and in 2001, and a civil war. However, the flag has been maintained throughout.

Upon independence, Cote d'Ivoire formed a loose alliance of Western African states, and all of them created flags heavily influenced by the pan-African colours used by Guinea, and by the tricolour flag, the flag of the former colonial power for many in West Africa, France. 

Cote d'Ivoire brought in a tricolour flag, inspired by France. However, they opted for orange, white and green. The orange represents the savannah's, the white represents peace, and green for hope. Along with for the forests in the south. The flag is very similar to the flag of Niger, which is differentiated by an orange sun in the centre, and should not be confused with the Irish flag, which has the same colours, but in reverse.


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