The national flag has been changed a number of times due to the complex history of the Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire. The current flag was established in 2006 when the president elections were held. Based on the former flag, the base color was changed from blue to a bright light blue. The light blue is said to represent peace, red, the blood of those who sacrificed for the nation, yellow, the wealth of the nation, and the star, the bright future of the nation.