Saturday, April 13, 2013

This Week In Vexillology #24


Kids, this week we've got one of my favorite countries in the entire world.  Once known as French Somaliland and from 1967-1977 as the somewhat cumbersomely named Territory of the Afars and Issas in 1977 it gained full independence as... 

Are you sure you can handle it?  Do you already know which country I'm talking about? Fine, kids...  sit down, stifle your giggles and get ready- because this week- it's DJIBOUTI! (By the way: the capitol of Djibouti is Djibouti.  Which means if you live there, you live in Djibouti, Djibouti- which is almost, but not quite as cool as living in New York, New York.)

Adopted on June 27th, 1977 for National and Civil usage, the flag draws on the colors of the party that led Djibouti to independence, the Ligue Populaire Africaine Pour L'Indépendance (LPAI)- white, green and light blue.  The colors also represent the union of the two main peoples of Djibouti, the Afars (the green- which represents their land and links to Islam) and the Issa (the light blue.)  The red star represents the unity of the diverse state.    The original flag of the LPAI had a red triangle with a white star something that was reversed for the national flag of Djibouti. 

As a bonus, because this is one of my favorite countries in the entire world, we've also got the Coat of Arms of Djibouti as well:


The red star is a traditional symbol of unity while the centerpiece is a Somali shield and weapons: two hunting knives and a spear.  

So, ladies and gentlemen put your hands together for Djibouti!  And remember, until next time keep your flags flying.  FREAK or otherwise!

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