In 1974, Liberia established a constitution based on the American one and attained independence as the first republic in Africa. The year of independence, the current flag was made official. At one glance, it is obvious to see that the flag was based on the American Stars and Stripes. The 11 red and white stripes represent the 11 people who signed the declaration of independence. Red represents courage, and white, sincerity. The white star conveys how the nation was the only independent nation in Africa.