Introduction
The national flag of Myanmar, officially adopted in 2010, presents a tricolor design of three equal horizontal stripes in yellow, green, and red. At the center of the flag is a large, prominent five-pointed white star, which is a key unifying element of the design. This flag replaced the previous socialist-era banner and was introduced as part of a series of political reforms.
The proportions of the flag are officially set at a ratio of 2:3, with the height being two-thirds of the length. The star is precisely centered on the field, its size carefully regulated to ensure visual balance against the bold stripes. The choice of colors and the singular star create a flag that is both simple to recognize and rich in symbolic meaning for the nation.
Meaning & Symbolism
The three colors of the flag carry deep symbolic significance. The yellow stripe represents solidarity and unity among the people, while the green stripe symbolizes the country's peace, tranquility, and lush natural environment. The red stripe stands for courage, decisiveness, and the valor of the people.
The large white star at the center is a symbol of the union of the country and its enduring existence. Its white color signifies purity and honesty. Together, the colors and the star are intended to reflect the core principles and aspirations of the modern state of Myanmar.
History of the Myanmar Flag
Myanmar's current flag was adopted on October 21, 2010, through the 2008 State Constitution. This adoption occurred shortly before the 2010 general election and the formal dissolution of the military junta. It replaced the flag of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma, which had been in use since 1974 and featured a socialist-style cogwheel and rice ears.
The design process for the new flag was conducted by a military-appointed commission. The final design was selected to move away from the previous socialist imagery and to establish a new national symbol for the contemporary era, marking a significant shift in the country's official iconography.
Curiosities
- The flag's adoption date of October 21, 2010, is exactly one week before the 2010 general election, which was a pivotal political event.
- It is one of only three national flags currently in use that feature the color combination of yellow, green, and red, alongside Lithuania and the partially recognized Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
- The precise shade of green used is officially defined as Pantone 361 C in the CMYK color model.
Download Flag
Download the flag of Myanmar in high-quality SVG vector format or PNG raster images. SVG files can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Construction Sheet
The flag has a 2:3 ratio. The field is divided into three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green (middle), and red (bottom). A large five-pointed white star is centered on the flag. The star's diameter is such that it fits within an imaginary circle with a diameter equal to three-fifths of the flag's total height, ensuring its visual prominence.
Flags Similar to Myanmar Flag
Common Misidentifications
Often confused with Lithuania due to the identical order of yellow, green, and red horizontal stripes, though the central white star on Myanmar's flag is a key distinguishing feature.