Cape Verde: flag of 1975-1992

Last modified: 2005-07-23 by antonio martins
Keywords: star: 5 points (black) | paigc | scallop | wreath: maize |
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• Description of the flag

• Cape Verde
• Guinea Bissau

Description of the flag

Prior to 1992, the similarity between the two nations’ flags was explained by the fact that both were derived from the flag of the Partido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde (P.A.I.G.C.), the liberation movement which succeeded in gaining independence for both countries (Guinea-Bissau in 1974, Cape Verde in 1975). P.A.I.G.C.'s aim had been that the two nations should unite, but this merger was scotched in 1980 by a military coup in Guinea-Bissau.

This flag is very similar to Guinea-Bissau's, but 2:3 (instead of 1:2) and with a maize wreath and a scallop shell around the black star. This device is not centered, but positioned in such a manner that the lower points of the star lye on the same line as the yellow-green boundary.
António Martins, 18 Jun 1997