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Democratic Republic of Congo Historical Flags

Congo Free State (1885 to 1908) - Congo (1908 to 1960)
Congo-Kinshasa (1960 to 1963)
Congo-Kinshasa (1963 to 1971)
Zaire (1971 to 1997)
Democratic Republic of Congo (1997 to present)

Congo Free State (1885 to 1908) - Congo (1908 to 1960)

When the Congo Free State was formed in 1885, its flag, reputedly designed by the explorer H.M. Stanley, was blue with a gold star in the centre. One explanation of its symbolism was the light of civilization (i.e., the star) shining in the darkness of Africa. No change was made to the flag when the Free State became Belgian territory in 1908.

Stuart Notholt, 1996-03-10

Congo-Kinshasa (1960 to 1963)

In 1960, the Belgian Congo became independent. The flag was adapted by the addition of six gold stars in the hoist to represent the six provinces of the new state. The state was usually called Congo-Kinshasa (Kinshasa being the capital) to distinguish it from the former French Congo to the north, which was known as Congo-Brazzaville. After the failure of the Katanganese seccession, more provinces were created. Rather than add these to the flag, US-style, a new flag was adopted in 1963.

Stuart Notholt, 1996-03-10

Congo-Kinshasa (1963/71)

Stuart Notholt, 1996-03-10

This is the flag of Congo-Kinshasa, in use from 1 July 1963 until 21 November 1971. In that year, the country was renamed Zaire and the flag was replaced with the Zairean flag, which remained in use until 1997.
Stuart Notholt 10-03-1996