🇲🇿
Flag of Mozambique
flæg əv mōzæmˈbēk
Definitions
1
Flags · National
Common
The national flag of Mozambique, representing the sovereign state in southeast Africa. Features a horizontal tricolor with an emblem including a star, book, hoe and rifle.
Used to represent Mozambique in international contexts, sports events, and discussions about the country.
Just landed in Maputo! 🇲🇿 Excited to explore Mozambique for the next two weeks!
Travel social media post
Congratulations to our Mozambican team members 🇲🇿 on their independence day celebration!
Corporate communication
One of few national flags to feature a modern weapon (AK-47), symbolizing defense of independence gained in 1975.
2
Cultural · Identity
Common
Symbol of Mozambican heritage, culture and national pride used by citizens and diaspora to express connection to Mozambique.
Often used by Mozambicans abroad to indicate their nationality or heritage.
Proud of my roots 🇲🇿 Celebrating Mozambican culture with traditional matapa tonight!
Personal social media
Represents Mozambican identity beyond geography, including culture, language and shared history.
Evolution Timeline
1975
Flag adopted upon independence from Portugal, featuring revolutionary symbols including the AK-47.
End of Portuguese colonial rule and establishment of independent republic.
2005
Emoji version of flag introduced in Unicode 6.0, allowing digital representation.
Global standardization of national flag emojis in digital communication.
2019
Increased usage during Cyclone Idai crisis as symbol of solidarity and support.
Natural disaster that prompted global awareness of Mozambique.
Cultural Context
The flag's AK-47 rifle symbolizes defense of independence after a long armed struggle against Portuguese colonization that ended in 1975.
One of only two national flags featuring a firearm (with Guatemala), sparking occasional debate about updating the design to remove military imagery.
Important symbol in southern African regional politics, particularly within SADC (Southern African Development Community) contexts.
Represents one of Africa's Portuguese-speaking nations (along with Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe).
Regional Variations
Portugal
More frequently used due to historical colonial ties and significant Mozambican diaspora in Portugal.
South Africa
Commonly used in regional contexts due to proximity and strong economic ties with Mozambique.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used pragmatically in business communications and formal contexts related to Mozambique.
Gen_Z: Used to express heritage pride, often in travel content and cultural celebration posts on TikTok and Instagram.
Older: Less frequently used, with preference for textual references to the country rather than emoji usage.
Millennials: Commonly used in professional networking contexts by Mozambican diaspora and in discussions about economic development.
Common Combinations
🇲🇿❤️
Love for Mozambique, national pride, or patriotic sentiment.
Used by citizens, diaspora, or visitors expressing affection for the country.
🇲🇿🙏
Prayers for Mozambique, often during crises or natural disasters.
Emerged strongly during cyclones and flooding events affecting the country.
🇲🇿🏖️
Mozambican beaches or coastal tourism.
References the country's 2,500km coastline and popular beach destinations.