The Flag

The emblem of Burkina Faso is a two-tone flag (red and green), divided in two horizontal stripes of equal dimension; struck in the center with a yellow star/or to five branches. The line connecting its higher point to its central point is perpendicular to the line of junction of the two branches of the flag.
The central branch of the star along with the two higher branches is located in the red band of the flag and his two lower branches in the green band.
The diameter of the circle connecting these five points is equal to one third (1/3) of the width of the flag.

Meaning of the colors

Red
It symbolizes the blood shed over the time by the martyrs of the revolution to ensure its victory. By extension, it represents all the sacrifices of the Burkinabé people.
Green
It is the symbol of the various agricultural riches of our people. It symbolizes by extension the abundance that will make   our people prosperous.
Yellow Star
Ideological guide of the Democratic and People’s revolution in its radiant walk.

Armorial Bearings

The armorial bearings of Burkina Faso are made up as it follows according to the law N°20/97/11/year of August 1st, 1997.

• An Ecu having at its core, on a silver banderole the name of the country : « Burkina Faso »;
• At the center an escutcheon with two bands with the national emblem held on two crossed spears;
• Two silver stallions set upright bearing the escutcheon on each side;
• Underneath the shield, an open book;
• At the bottom, two stems of millet with three pairs of green leaves in half moon starting from bottom and at equidistance from the vertical passing by the points of the escutcheon and the higher branch of the star of the crossed emblem connected to their base by a flame like figure carrying the country’s motto : ”Unity-Progress-Justice”.   

The flame like figure carries the unit “stem of millet-spears-escutcheon”.
The two stallions symbolize the nobility of the Burkinabè    people.
Their position indicates the action and the tendency, the necessity and importance of the empowering unity.  

The escutcheon symbolizes the protection of the nation and the love of the fatherland: Shield countering any risk, rampart against any aggression, it ensures the safety of the state.
The spears symbolize the determination of the sons and daughters of Burkina Faso to defend the fatherland: Their cross position translates the vigilance and bravery of this people.
The open book symbolizes the quest for know how and education (click here to view the educational system, factors of progress and development).
The ears of millet symbolize the aspiration to food self-sufficiency and abundance.