Benin Flag

Flag History

The green denotes hope for renewal, the red envokes the ancestors' courage and the yellow refers to the country's riches.

Flag Date of Adoption

16 November 1959

Flag Symbolism

The flag has two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side

Benin National Anthem

Anthem Lyrics

L’AUBE NOUVELLE






Refrain




Enfants du Bénin debout !

La liberté d’un cri sonore

Chante aux premiers feux de l’aurore

Enfants du BENIN, debout !




1er couplet :




Jadis à son appel, nos aïeux, sans faiblesse

Ont su avec courage, ardeur, pleins d’allégresse

Livrer au prix du sang des combats éclatants

Accourez vous aussi, bâtisseurs du présent,

Plus forts dans l’unité, chaque jour à la tâche,

Pour la prospérité, construisez sans relâche.




2ème couplet :




Quand partout souffle un vent de colère

Et de chaîne Béninois, sois fier, et d’une âme sereine,

Confiant dans l’avenir, regarde ton drapeau

Dans le vert tu liras l’espoir du renouveau ;

De tes aïeux le rouge évoque le courage ;

Des plus riches trésors le jaune est le présage.




3ème couplet :




Tes monts ensoleillés, tes palmiers, ta verdure,

Cher BENIN, partout font ta vive parure.

Ton sol offre à chacun la richesse des fruits.

BENIN, désormais que tes fils tous unis,

D’un fraternel élan partagent l’espérance.

De te voir à jamais heureux dans l’abondance.
Anthem Lyrics English

NEW DAWN






CHORUS:




Children of Bénin, arise!

The resounding cry of freedom

Is heard at the first light of dawn;

Children of Bénin, arise!




1st verse:




Formerly, at her call, our ancestors

Knew how to engage in mighty battles

With strength, courage, ardor, and full of joy, but at the price of blood.

Builders of the present, you too, join forces

Each day for the task stronger in unity.

Build without ceasing for posterity.




CHORUS




2nd Verse:




When all around there blows a wind of anger and hate:

Citizen of Bénin, be proud, and in a calm spirit

Trusting in the future, behold your flag!

In the green you read hope of spring;

The red signifies the courage of your ancestors;

The yellow foretells the richest treasures.




CHORUS




3rd Verse:




Beloved Bènin, your sunny mountains, palm trees, and green pastures

Show everywhere your brightness;

Your soil offers everyone the richest fruits.

Bénin, from henceforth your sons are united

With one brotherly spirit sharing the hope of seeing you

Enjoy abundance and happiness forever.




CHORUS
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