Namibia map

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New flag competition design alert! The town of Bothwell, just south of Glasgow, is now open for your entries. Submit via the link below

It was the flags of the South West Africa People’s Organization (S.W.A.P.O.) and the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (D.T.A.) that provided the basis for the flag we know today, which was chosen from 835 publically submitted designs.

The S.W.A.P.O. flag’s colours (blue, red and green) are the most important colours to the Ovambo – Namibia’s largest ethnic group.

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Alex Crouch is a 2014 journalism graduate from Southampton Solent University. He has followed Formula One since before he started infant school, was a Games Maker during the London Paralympics and saw Pink Floyd reunite for one song at The O2 in London. Links: Twitter, blog, YouTube. Alex is an accredited Flag Institute journalist.

Twenty-five years ago this coming Saturday (21st March) Namibia gained independence from South Africa and officially adopted their national flag.

The Flag Institute 84 Norwood Grove Beverley East Riding of Yorkshire HU17 9HS United Kingdom NOTE: THIS MAILBOX IS NOT STAFFED FULL TIME PLEASE USE EMAIL FOR ANY URGENT ENQUIRY

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Naturally each colour represents a key aspect to the Namibian people, who are represented by the red band, as is their determination to build an equal opportunity for all as well as their heroism. The white that flanks it refers to peace, while the green is Namibia’s vegetation and agriculture. The blue symbolises the sky, the Atlantic, the country’s water resources and rain. Within the blue segment lies a 12-pointed star (the Sun) signifying energy and life.

Bonus Fact: Namibia was known as ‘German South-West Africa’ from 1884-1915, and South African-controlled ‘South-West Africa’ after the South-West Africa Campaign of WWI until independence.

We don't know them yet, but the options in the Bothwell Flag Competition have been decided! Voting later this year and unveiling early next year.