three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk centered in the white band
the orange band denotes the drier northern regions of the Sahara
white stands for purity and innocence
green symbolizes hope and the fertile and productive southern and western areas, as well as the Niger River
the orange disc represents the sun and the sacrifices made by the people note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band