The flag was made official in 1969. It uses the African colors of green, yellow, and red. Red is the symbol of blood and sacrifice in the movement for independence or benevolence and loyalty, and the star is the symbol for independence, expressing the determination to protect freedom and independence at any cost. Green represents agriculture and hope for the future, yellow, underground resources, sincerity, and pride, and white, purity. The five stripes represents the five regions in Togo.