The current flag was made official in 1990, when the democratic movement began. African colors of green, yellow, and red are used. Originally, it was established in 1959, a year before independence from France, but during the people's republic days, a different flag was used. In 1990, the nation's name changed to Benin Republic, and the former flag was reinstituted. Green represents hope during springtime, red, to remember the courage in grandfathers' generation, and yellow, presage of rich gems.