An official language (with English) of the Republic of South Africa and Namibia. Spoken mainly by the Afrikaners descendants of Dutch and other 17th-century colonists it is a variety of the Dutch language, modified by circumstance and the influence of German, French, and other immigrant as well as local languages. It became a standardized written language about 1875.
Red and white are traditional colours, dating back to the flag of 19th-century Samoan king, Malietoa Laupepa. The Southern Cross constellation links Samoa to other countries in the southern hemisphere. Effective date: 4 July 1997.