🇿🇼
Flag of Zimbabwe
flæg əv zɪmˈbɑːbweɪ
Definitions
1
Geography · National Symbol
uncommon
The national flag of Zimbabwe, featuring seven horizontal stripes in green, yellow, red, and black, with a white triangle containing a red star and Zimbabwe bird emblem.
Used to represent Zimbabwe, its people, culture, or in discussions about Zimbabwean topics.
So excited to visit Victoria Falls next month! 🇿🇼
Travel post on Instagram
Congratulations to our Zimbabwean athletes at the Olympics! 🇿🇼
Sports celebration tweet
Adopted after independence in 1980, the flag's elements symbolize agriculture (green), mineral wealth (yellow), blood shed for independence (red), and the majority population (black).
Evolution Timeline
1980
Flag adopted upon Zimbabwe's independence from Britain, replacing the Rhodesian flag.
End of colonial rule and establishment of majority government.
2017
Flag became symbol of protest during #ThisFlag movement against Mugabe government.
Political and economic crisis leading to social activism.
Cultural Context
The Zimbabwe Bird on the flag is based on stone carvings found in the Great Zimbabwe ruins, connecting modern Zimbabwe to its pre-colonial heritage.
The flag has been both a symbol of national unity and political division, with its meaning contested during periods of political turmoil.
The emoji gained prominence during the 2016-2017 #ThisFlag social media movement when activists used it to reclaim national identity during protests.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Primarily used in diplomatic contexts, diaspora communications, and international sporting events.
Zimbabwe
Used with strong patriotic sentiment, especially during national holidays, sporting events, and political discussions.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily used for formal occasions, sporting events, and national holidays rather than casual communication.
Gen_Z: Frequently used in social justice contexts, diaspora identity expression, and global solidarity movements on TikTok and Instagram.
Older: Limited usage, mostly for formal patriotic expressions and official communications.
Millennials: Used in diaspora communities to maintain connection to homeland, and in professional contexts discussing Zimbabwean affairs.
Common Combinations
🇿🇼❤️
Love for Zimbabwe or Zimbabwean pride
Used by citizens and diaspora to express patriotism and national pride.
🇿🇼🏆
Zimbabwean victory or achievement
Used during sporting events or to celebrate national accomplishments.
🇿🇼🙏
Prayers for Zimbabwe or gratitude
Often used during national challenges or in expressions of hope for the country.