Which African country's flag features a white diagonal cross, or saltire? Burundi. Its flag is divided by a white saltire into four alternating red and green sections.
At the center is a white disk bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green. The saltire's white color represents peace, while red is associated with the suffering and sacrifices of the country's struggle for freedom. Green represents hope and future development.
The three stars are arranged in a triangular pattern, with one above and two below. They are commonly interpreted as representing Burundi's three main ethnic groups—Hutu, Twa and Tutsi—and the three parts of the national motto: unity, work and progress. Another traditional interpretation connects them with loyalty to God, the king and the country.
Burundi first adopted a national flag after independence from Belgium on 1 July 1962. The design was revised several times; the current 3:5 aspect ratio was adopted on 27 September 1982. The white saltire helps distinguish Burundi's flag from nearby designs such as Rwanda's and Uganda's, which use different central emblems and layouts.