National Flag, Cameroon

Cameroons' national flag was based on the colors of the flag of Ethiopia, a horizontal tri-color of green, yellow and red which dates back to 1897. The former pattern of the Cameroonian flag dates back to 1957. At the time when the former British colony voted to join Cameroon in a federal type of government in 1961, the Cameroon flag had two yellow stars in the upper part of the green portion of the flag. With the federal system being replaced by a unitary government in 1972, the two stars were removed from the green and a single yellow star was placed on the red portion of the flag on 1975. By the middle of 20th century Cameroon was largely a trust territory under France managed by the United Nations. The local government after it was promised its independence in 1957 began discussing for a possible national flag. One popular suggestion for the design of the flag was to use the symbol prawn that had given the country its name.

Some basic guidelines are needed to be followed by all concerned using the national flag of Cameroon.

• The Cameroon's national flag should be raised in a quick and energetic manner and also lowered ceremonially.
• The flag should be treated with due respect and dignity deserving a national symbol.
• The flag should not normally be flown in a position lower to that of any other flag, nor should the size be smaller.
• When flown in Cameroon, the Cameroonian national flag takes precedence over all other national flags.
• The national flag should not be used to cover a monument, statue or plaque for an unveiling ceremony; or to mask boxes or even cover a table or seat.
• The flag should always be flown up and free and not allowed to fall or lie on the ground.
• Even as a signal of distress, the flag should not be flown upside down.