The vertical stripe on the Central African Republic's flag is red. It runs through the center of four horizontal bands—blue, white, green, and yellow—and is crossed by them at right angles.
The red band is more than a design accent. It symbolizes the blood of humanity and connects the flag's African and European references. Blue and white were associated with France, the former colonial power, while green and yellow represented Africa. The central stripe therefore expresses unity between Europeans and Africans, as well as respect between them.
The flag was designed by Barthélemy Boganda, a leading Central African politician who would become the country's first president. It was adopted by the Legislative Assembly of Ubangi-Shari on 1 December 1958, before independence. A yellow five-pointed star appears in the upper hoist-side corner as a symbol of independence and future aspirations.
The most likely mistake is confusing the central vertical stripe with one of the horizontal colors. Its position is distinctive: red is the only band running vertically, while blue, white, green, and yellow run across the flag.