Togo's national flag has five equal horizontal stripes that alternate green and yellow, with green at both the top and bottom. A red canton-the rectangular field in the upper-left corner-holds a white five-pointed star. The five stripes are commonly associated with Togo's five regions, while the star is often understood as a symbol of unity and independence; interpretations of the colors also connect them with the land, agriculture, and national ideals. Designed by Togolese artist Paul Ahyi, the flag was adopted when Togo became independent in 1960. Its vivid, geometric layout makes it distinct among national flags while using colors shared with several other African flags.