Flag of Timor-Leste

Facts about the Flag of Timor-Leste

1. The two overlapping triangles at the hoist — black over yellow — with a white star make this one of the more geometrically distinctive flags in Asia.
2. The flag was first raised in 1975 during a brief declaration of independence, then again in 2002 when independence was finally achieved.
3. The flag of Timor-Leste was officially adopted on May 20, 2002.
4. The design is older than its adoption. It was already in use in 1975, 27 years before it was formally made the flag of Timor-Leste.
5. The flag in its present form is 24 years old as of 2026.
6. Design type: Red field with black and yellow triangles and a white star.
7. The official proportions are 1:2. It shares that ratio with 54 national flags.
8. The flag uses 4 colours: red, yellow, black and white.
9. The red on the flag stands for the struggle for national liberation.
10. The yellow on the flag stands for the traces of colonialism.
11. The black on the flag stands for the obscurantism that must be overcome.
12. White star: The light that guides — pointed toward the hoist to show the way forward.
13. The design belongs to the "Interlocking triangles" family, shared with 2 other flags in this reference.
14. Flags most often confused with it: Guyana and Saint Lucia.
15. Timor-Leste became independent on 20 May 2002 from Indonesia.
16. Independence from Portugal was declared on 28 November 1975; Indonesia invaded days later, and sovereignty was restored in 2002.
17. Football is the most popular sport.
18. The national anthem is "Pátria".