Benin

Last modified: 1997-09-03 by alessio bragadini
Keywords: benin | dahomey | africa | star |
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by mark sensen 15-NOV-1995

• History of the flag
• People's Republic of Benin

Benin gained independance in 1960, as a Republic of Dahomey. Up to 1975 the flag was the same as the current one. The flag adopted by People's Republic of Benin in 1975 was based on a flag of marxist-leninist party that was red with green star. It is said that star represents "peoples unity, unity of all revolutionary forces in overwhelming of inner and outer enemy and making a new, revolutionar and socialist land of Benin".

Benin abandoned its socialist policies in 1990 and in 1991 a multi-party democracy was established, toghether with the original flag, but kept the name Benin which was the name of the ancient African empire centered in that area.
zeljko heimer and john andrew lowe 30-NOV-1995, nick artimovich, 5-JUN-1996

by mark sensen 15-NOV-1995

This flag reversed the colours of the People's Revolutionary Party of Benin, which had a green star and red background.
stuart notholt