Flag of Lesotho
countryThe flag of Lesotho was adopted on October 4, 2006. Horizontal tricolour with a black mokorotlo hat. It uses 4 colours: blue, white, green and black. The official proportions are 2:3.
Hoist
Ratio 2:3
Fly
Basic Flag Information
| Flag Name | Flag of Lesotho |
|---|---|
| Country | Lesotho |
| Official Country Name | Kingdom of Lesotho |
| Capital | Maseru |
| Continent | Africa |
| Region | Southern Africa |
| ISO Country Code | LS / LSO |
| Internet Domain | .ls |
| Calling Code | +266 |
| Currency | Lesotho loti (LSL), South African rand (ZAR) |
| National Language(s) | English, Sotho |
| Demonym | Mosotho |
| Area | 30,355 km² |
| Population | 2.3 million (2025 est.) |
Flag Specifications
| Official Flag Name | Flag of Lesotho |
|---|---|
| Adopted On | October 4, 2006 |
| First Used | 2006 |
| Current Version Adopted | October 4, 2006 |
| Flag Proportion | 2:3 |
| Flag Shape | Rectangle |
| Number of Colors | 4 |
| Main Colors | Blue, White, Green, Black |
| Design Type | Horizontal tricolour with a black mokorotlo hat |
| Official Status | Official National Flag |
| Government Authority | Government of Lesotho |
Flag Color Information
| Color | Appearance | HEX Code | RGB | CMYK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | #00209F | 0, 32, 159 | 100, 80, 0, 38 | |
| White | #FFFFFF | 255, 255, 255 | 0, 0, 0, 0 | |
| Green | #009543 | 0, 149, 67 | 100, 0, 55, 42 | |
| Black | #000000 | 0, 0, 0 | 0, 0, 0, 100 |
Flag Design and Symbols
| Blue colour | Represents rain and the sky |
|---|---|
| White colour | Represents peace |
| Green colour | Represents prosperity and the land |
| Black colour | Represents the people of Lesotho |
| Mokorotlo | The traditional Basotho straw hat, the emblem of the nation — placed on the flag in 2006 to mark forty years of peaceful independence |
Flag History
| Year / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 2006 | The design was first used |
| 2006-10-04 | The current flag was officially adopted |
| Present | The flag remains in official use |
| Present | The flag remains in official use |
Flag Dimensions and Construction
| Official Ratio | 2:3 |
|---|---|
| Width | 2 units (hoist) |
| Length | 3 units (fly) |
Lesotho Flag Usage
| Government Buildings | Yes |
|---|---|
| Schools | Yes |
| Civil Use | Yes |
| Official Ceremonies | Yes |
| Sports Events | Yes |
| National Holidays | Yes |
| Military | Yes |
| Naval Use | Yes |
| Embassies | Yes |
| International Events | Yes |
Other Official Flags of Lesotho
| Flag Type | Use | Link |
|---|---|---|
| National Flag | National representation | View flag |
| Civil Flag | Used by civilians | View flag |
| State Flag | Used by government | View flag |
| War Flag | Used during military operations | View flag |
| Naval Ensign | Used by the navy | View flag |
| Air Force Flag | Used by the air force | View flag |
| Presidential Standard | Used by the head of state | View flag |
| Royal Standard | Used by the monarch | View flag |
| Historical Flag | Previous national flag | View flag |
Quick Facts About the Flag
| Flag Age | 20 years old as of 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | October 4, 2006 |
| Oldest Version | 2006 |
| Most Common Color | Blue |
| Similar Flags | Argentina, Cambodia, Colorado |
| Unique Feature | Horizontal tricolour with a black mokorotlo hat |
Other horizontal tricolour with a central emblem flags
See all
Facts about the Flag of Lesotho
- The current flag was adopted in 2006 for the fortieth anniversary of independence, replacing a design with a diagonal division and a shield.
- The black mokorotlo hat in the centre is the conical straw hat worn across the country, and is the national symbol in a way few flag charges are.
- The redesign deliberately removed all military imagery from the previous flag, which had shown a shield, spear and knobkerrie.
- The flag of Lesotho was officially adopted on October 4, 2006.
- The flag in its present form is 20 years old as of 2026.
- Design type: Horizontal tricolour with a black mokorotlo hat.
- The official proportions are 2:3. It shares that ratio with 82 national flags.
- The flag uses 4 colours: blue, white, green and black.
- The blue on the flag stands for rain and the sky.
- The white on the flag stands for peace.
- The green on the flag stands for prosperity and the land.
- Mokorotlo: The traditional Basotho straw hat, the emblem of the nation — placed on the flag in 2006 to mark forty years of peaceful independence.
- The design belongs to the "Horizontal tricolour with a central emblem" family, shared with 19 other flags in this reference.
- Flags most often confused with it: Argentina, Cambodia and Colorado.
- Lesotho became independent on 4 October 1966 from the United Kingdom.
- Football is the most popular sport; horse racing on Basotho ponies is the traditional one.
- The national animal is the Basotho pony.
- The national anthem is "Lesōthō Fatše La Bo Ntat'a Rōna".
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flag of Lesotho
When was the flag of Lesotho adopted?
The flag of Lesotho was officially adopted on October 4, 2006.
What do the colours of the flag of Lesotho mean?
Blue for rain and the sky, white for peace, green for prosperity and the land and black for the people of Lesotho.
When did Lesotho gain independence?
Lesotho became independent on 4 October 1966 from the United Kingdom.
What is the national sport of Lesotho?
Football is the most popular sport; horse racing on Basotho ponies is the traditional one.
What do the symbols on the flag of Lesotho represent?
Mokorotlo — The traditional Basotho straw hat, the emblem of the nation — placed on the flag in 2006 to mark forty years of peaceful independence.
What are the proportions of the flag of Lesotho?
The official ratio is 2:3, which makes the flag rectangular. It shares those proportions with 82 national flags.
What is the national anthem of Lesotho?
The national anthem is "Lesōthō Fatše La Bo Ntat'a Rōna".
When is the national day of Lesotho?
It falls on 4 October, Independence Day, and the flag is flown across the country.
What is the national animal of Lesotho?
The national animal is the Basotho pony.
What is the capital of Lesotho?
The capital is Maseru. The currency is the Lesotho loti (LSL), South African rand (ZAR) and the language spoken is English, Sotho.