Italian composer who lived in Florence in the service of the Medici. His experimental melodic opera Euridice (1600) established the opera form and influenced Monteverdi. His first opera, Dafne (1597), believed to be the earliest opera, is now lost.
Green stands for the country's natural resources. White represents peace, justice, and unity. Blue recalls the sea and the capital Freetown's natural harbour. Effective date: 27 April 1961.