It is based on a flag that was officialized when the nation gained independence as the Burundi Kingdom in 1962. During the principality days, the drum, which symbolized the kingdom, was depicted in the center of the flag. In 1967, a year after becoming a republic, the current flag with three stars instead of the drum was established. The three stars represent the national slogan "unity, effort, progress". Also, red represents the independence war, green, hope and advancement, and white, peace.