The flag of Liberia consists of 11 horizontal red and white stripes, symbolizing the signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence. In the top left corner, there is a blue square with a white star, which represents the freedom of the country. The red stripes symbolize courage and the sacrifices made for independence. The white stripes stand for purity and the country's commitment to justice. The blue square with the white star symbolizes the African continent and the hope for unity, with the single star representing Liberia as the first African republic to gain independence. The flag was officially adopted on August 24, 1847, following Liberia's declaration of independence. It reflects the nation's history, its founding by freed American slaves, and its connections to both Africa and the United States.