Kingdom of Swaziland, 1968

A year before independence from Britain, Swaziland's flag was hoisted for the first time on 25 April 1967. The colours in its stripes have the following meaning: Crimson stands for the battles of the past; Blue means peace and stability; Yellow is for prosperity from its mineral wealth. A Swazi oxhide-shield, belonging to the Emasotsha regiment, is laid sideways on the central stripe as if carried while walking. Decorative “injobo”, bunches of feathers of the lisakabuli (widowbird) and ligwalagwala (lourie) hang from the black portion of the shield. The shield is reinforced by a staff from which also hang injobo tassels, bunches of feathers of the widowbird and the lourie. Two spears, symbolising protection of the country, are placed above the staff. The flag was slightly changed in 2011.