Adopted in 1972. The flag of Sri Lanka is yellow with two panels and is also referred to as the Lion Flag. The smaller hoist-side panel has two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange, and the other larger panel depicts a yellow lion holding a sword on a dark red rectangular field that also displays a yellow bo leaf in each corner. The yellow field appears as a border around the entire flag and extends between the two panels. The lion represents Sinhalese ethnicity, the strength of the nation, and bravery. The sword demonstrates the sovereignty of the nation. The four bo leaves, symbolizing Buddhism and its influence on the country, stand for the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness, and equanimity. Orange signifies Sri Lankan Tamils, green the Sri Lankan Moors, dark red represents the European Burghers, but also refers to the rich colonial background of the country;, and yellow denotes other ethnic groups. (ref: CIA World Factbook)