Adopted in 1948. The flag of North Korea has three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue. The red band is edged in white. On the hoist side of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star. The broad red band symbolizes revolutionary traditions. The narrow white bands stands for purity, strength, and dignity. The blue bands signify sovereignty, peace, and friendship. The red star represents socialism. (ref: CIA World Factbook)