As an expert in vexillology, the study of flags, I can provide you with a detailed explanation of the symbolism behind the colors and symbols of the Angolan flag. The flag of Angola, as you mentioned, was officially adopted on November 11, 1975, following the country's independence from Portugal. It features a unique design that carries significant meaning and reflects the country's history, aspirations, and the values of its people. The red portion of the flag, which is situated at the top, represents the struggle for independence and the blood that was shed by those who fought for Angola's freedom. It is a color commonly associated with valor, bravery, and the sacrifices made by the Angolan people during their fight against colonial rule. The black portion, which takes up the lower half of the flag, symbolizes the African continent and the majority of Angola's population, which is of African descent. It also stands for the dark times the country endured under colonialism and the need to remember and honor the past as the nation moves forward. At the center of the flag is a golden star, which is a common symbol found in many flags of African nations. The star represents unity, hope, and the light of progress that guides the country towards a brighter future. It is also a symbol of socialism, which was a significant political ideology during the time of Angola's independence and continues to be influential in the country's governance. Beneath the star, there is a cog wheel and a machete, which are crossed. The cog wheel represents the industrial workers, the backbone of the nation's economy, and the progress Angola aims to achieve through industrialization. It is a symbol of the country's commitment to modernization and the development of its infrastructure and industries. The machete, on the other hand, symbolizes the agricultural workers and the importance of agriculture to Angola's economy. It is also a nod to the rural population, which constitutes a significant portion of Angola's demographic. The machete is a tool commonly used by farmers and represents the hard work and resilience of the people who work the land. The combination of the cog wheel and the machete is said to be inspired by the hammer and sickle, a symbol traditionally associated with communism and the Soviet Union. However, in the Angolan context, it represents the unity of the working class, both industrial and agricultural, and their collective contribution to the nation's development. The flag's design is a powerful statement of Angola's identity and its commitment to progress, unity, and the well-being of its people. It is a visual representation of the country's history, its struggle for independence, and its aspirations for a prosperous and equitable future. read more >>

Angola's flag was officially adopted on November 11, 1975. The flag has a horizontally divided field with red over black. A golden star, part of a cog wheel and a machete is centered. That symbol is said to be inspired by the hammer and sickle, and represents industrial and agricultural workers.read more >>